For Immediate Release
Date: April 5th, 2023
Majuro – The United States Government is pleased to announce that solar lights and equipment have now arrived in the Marshall Islands to be installed on Namo Atoll and will provide street and residential lighting for Namo Atoll communities. Funding to the Namo Atoll local government for this renewable energy project was made available through the Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs (OIA),under the Technical Assistance Program (TAP) for fiscal year 2021.
“The United States and the Republic of the Marshall Islands share a strong relationship under the Compact of Free Association,” said Chargé d’Affaires Jeremiah Knight. “This project exemplifies the importance that we place on this relationship, and we look forward to seeing the final installation and completion of this project to bring lights to families in Namo.”
Namo Atoll, located more than 200 miles away from the capital Majuro, is home to 780 people, with approximately 100 households. Once installed, the solar-powered lights will enhance safety for Namo communities and facilitate more access and participation in nighttime activities at the community center, schools, churches, dock, recreational areas, gardens, airport terminal, and at water sources.
All OIA Technical Assistance Program grants totaling $1.4 Million for fiscal year 2021 provided are as follows:
- $500,000 RMI EPPSO – RMI Census Population and Housing 2020
- $408,694 RMI HHS – Vaccination Program for Outer Islands
- $375,000 KBE – Bikini Repatriation Costs
- $285,000 Rongelap Atoll -Solar Energy Power for Homes
- $100,000 Namo Atoll Solar Lighting Project
- $48,300 Majuro Atoll – Solar Powered Streetlights
All OIA Maintenance Assistance Program grants totaling $1 Million for the fiscal year 2021 provided are as follows:
- $226,000 MWSC Water Main Repair and Restoration Program
- $211,000 MWSC Sanitation Cleaning Program
- $350,000 RMI HHS Repair of Utrok Clinic & Health Center
- $263,696 Likiep Atoll Community Dock Repair
For more information about the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs, visit www.doi.gov/oia. For specific details on grants provided through the Office of Insular Affairs, visit www.grants.gov and search Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) #15.875.
