ABOUT 60 solar-powered freezers, which cost $20,000 each, will be given to villagers on outer islands by the Ministry of Fisheries for the purpose of preserving their catch before it is taken to the markets.
The Minister for Fisheries, Semi Koroilavesau, said while visiting the islands in the northern part of Lau, this was an efficient way as it used solar power instead of diesel-fuelled generators.
“Solar freezers are more efficient because you don’t need to use generators that use diesel to provide power for the freezer which would cost more money,” Mr Koroilavesau said.
“So instead, you will use sunlight as solar energy to power these freezers.”
He said a team from the ministry would also be sent to teach villagers on the importance of fish handling.
“This is to ensure that the fish being sold at the markets are of good quality,” he said.
The funds used to acquire these freezers were taken from the environment and climate adaptation levy (ECAL), the minister said.
