Solar Lights to Brighten Poha Community Footpath

STUDENTS, teachers, and residents around Poha Christian Academy will soon enjoy safer evening access following the installation of new solar-powered street lighting under the CAUSE II Project.

Located west of Honiara, Poha Christian Academy is one of several communities benefiting from the latest phase of CAUSE II's infrastructure improvements, with work now underway to install five solar LED lighting systems along the footpath constructed by the project last year.

The installation is being carried out by a team of seven local community members, including two women, who have been engaged through the project to complete the works. Their participation highlights CAUSE II's continued commitment to creating short-term employment opportunities while building practical skills within local communities.

The new lighting will improve visibility along sections of the footpath that were previously unlit, making it safer for school children, women, elderly residents, and other community members who rely on the pathway during the evening. Better lighting is also expected to discourage anti-social behaviour and improve overall community security.

Solar-powered street lighting offers an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution for communities where access to reliable electricity may be limited. Powered entirely by sunlight, the systems operate independently of the national electricity grid, require relatively low maintenance, and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions using clean, renewable energy. 

The Poha installation forms part of a broader rollout of solar lighting across communities within the Honiara City boundary and surrounding areas of Guadalcanal. The lights are being installed at locations where CAUSE II has previously constructed footpaths and Jacob's ladders, ensuring these important community assets remain safe and accessible both during the day and after dark.

The CAUSE II Project supports communities through labour-based public infrastructure works that improve accessibility, strengthen climate resilience, and create employment opportunities. Working in partnership with local communities and government agencies, the project delivers infrastructure that responds directly to local needs while building community ownership and practical skills.

For the Poha Christian Academy community, the new solar lighting represents more than just brighter pathways—it provides greater confidence for people travelling after sunset, improves access to the school and surrounding neighbourhood, and demonstrates how sustainable infrastructure can make a lasting difference to everyday life.

Implemented by the Solomon Islands Government, the CAUSE II Project is supported by the World Bank and the Australian Government through the PNG and Pacific Islands Umbrella Facility Multi-Donor Trust Fund.

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