MAF has completed the first in a series of installations of high-frequency (HF) radios and solar power systems in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
Story by Kathy Burrows
The donor-funded initiative marks a significant step forward in delivering safer, more effective health and communication services to isolated communities across the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB).
Roreinang, located in Bougainville’s mountainous interior, has no reliable power or communication due to challenging terrain and limited infrastructure. More than 5,000 people rely on the local health clinic, which is the first facility to receive this life-changing technology.
“We are really privileged to have this,” said United Church Health Secretary Margaret Kukupe. “We don't have solar panels in the facilities, and this is the first time that we are going to have these solar panels in our remote areas like Roreinang. And there will be many more that MAF will be assisting us with.”
Working in partnership with the AROB Health Authority, MAF aims to equip 21 remote health clinics across the region with solar power and HF radios over the next three years. With each clinic serving between 300 and 1,000 people, the impact of this technology will be far-reaching.
“We will be treating the patients in light – and also the families, the staff and the children will be accessing their studies at night under the light, because it’s very difficult for us to have lights in night for the students to study,” added Margaret.
Reliable solar power will enable clinics to run vaccine fridges, manage night-time emergencies and charge medical equipment. The solar systems will also serve to supply the HF radios which are desperately needed as there is no mobile network coverage in Roreinang, nor in many other locations.
It will change my life, and the life of the community and the life of this village here in Roreinang – in terms of communication, health, and the services that MAF will give. Thank you.
The arrival of this new technology has brought excitement and renewed hope to Roreinang residents.
Pastor Samuel Miritoro expressed his gratitude towards the MAF team.
“It will change my life, and the life of the community and the life of this village here in Roreinang – in terms of communication, health, and the services that MAF will give. Thank you,” he said.
Alongside the radio and solar installations, MAF are also distributing solar-rechargeable audio Bibles to surrounding communities where lack of access to Bibles combined with high rates of semi-illiteracy has hindered the growth of the local church.
For those in Roreinang, the arrival of reliable power, communication and audio Bibles represents more than technology – it’s a lifeline, offering hope for a better future.
“I see that big changes will happen to me and the community I live in,” said Pastor Samuel. “This will make all our work easier, for those referrals that are sent down to Arawa. Now, all these services have come to the foot of our door, and I’m so happy with the changes that MAF wants to make here for us in Roreinang.”