MORE than 3,000 residents of Whitewater Village in Region One are set to benefit from improved electricity following the government’s investment in a solar grid.

The grid is powering key public facilities in the community.

The renewable energy project currently supplies electricity to 20 buildings, including schools, the village health facility, churches, and a police outpost, enhancing the delivery of essential services and improving the quality of life for residents.

During an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Friday, Toshao Andrew Cox said the investment marks a significant milestone for the community, which has faced electricity challenges for many years.

“I am very much grateful and thankful on behalf of the residents and every sector that will be benefitting from this mini solar grid,” Toshao Cox stated.

The toshao explained that the village’s schools will now be better positioned to utilise educational resources such as computers, printers, Internet connectivity and televisions, which were previously underutilised due to limited and unreliable electricity supply.

He noted that the project will also create a more comfortable learning environment for students and teachers, particularly during periods of intense heat.

The health sector is expected to see major improvements as well, with enhanced capacity for vaccine and medication storage through reliable refrigeration and greater ability to provide medical services at any hour.

Although 20 public buildings are currently connected to the grid, Cox said the entire village population of over 3,000 residents will benefit through improved access to education, healthcare and other public services.

The toshao also commended the government for its continued investments in the community, which he said have generated employment opportunities and contributed to the village’s transformation.

“The support has been great because the investment has been creating a lot of jobs, and residents are having different opportunities to gain life skills and develop themselves,” he said.

Cox pointed to recent infrastructure projects and community initiatives that have enabled residents to gain skills in masonry, carpentry and driving, while creating new economic opportunities.

He further highlighted the village’s poultry project, which was implemented through a presidential grant and continues to provide employment and income-generating opportunities for residents. [DPI]