Solar energy lights up remote Western Province communities

South Fly Rangers unloading solar kit boxes at Morehead Station. (Image: Supplied)

Australia’s partnership with the Western Province Partnership is supporting the Government of Papua New Guinea in its efforts to expand access to electricity in rural communities.

As part of this initiative, household solar lighting kits are being distributed and installed across the four Local-Level Governments [LLGs] in South Fly District- Morehead, Forecoast Kiwai, Oriomo-Bituri, and Fly-Kiwai.

By early 2026, the program aims to deliver and install over 8,000 kits across the district’s four LLGs.
Between May and August 2025, the first 1,100 kits were successfully installed in 29 communities within Morehead LLG.

Each kit includes a solar panel, three LED lights, and a battery unit equipped with USB charging ports.

The introduction of solar energy has been warmly received by these remote communities, providing a cleaner, more affordable, and sustainable source of lighting for areas that previously had limited or no access to reliable electricity.

Morehead residents with their household solar lighting kit. (Image: Supplied)

Community Chief of Morehead Station and Board Chairman of Morehead High School, Mr. Thomas Sumari, says that the kits do more than provide a source of electricity.

“I am grateful that this service has been rendered to my people. Seeing their homes light up at night is a reminder of the positive changes that are underway in our region. With these lights installed in households, our day students can study more effectively at night in the comfort of their homes.”

The rollout of household solar lighting kits in South Fly District is the result of a collaborative effort involving the Western Province Partnership, the Provincial Administration, LLG leaders, the South Fly Rangers and local communities.

These stakeholders are represented on a local steering committee chaired by the South Fly District Administrator, Mr Wasewa Saebi.

The South Fly Rangers are responsible for on-the-ground delivery and community engagement. They play a key role in ensuring that the project’s distribution criteria and objectives are clearly communicated and
understood by all stakeholders.

Australia is proud to partner with Papua New Guinea on its rural electrification program, which aims to enhance daily lives by improving health services, enhancing education outcomes, and expanding economic opportunities in rural and remote areas across the country.