BY ALFRED PAGEPITU
THE lack of telecommunications in rural communities is hindering the delivery of effective services, according to Chief Nelson Tolavaka.
Tolavaka from Niarovai Village stated that his community within the South East Vella constituency needs Solomon Telekom and bemobile to improve telecommunications, particularly internet services.
When asked about the state of telecommunications, Tolavaka remarked that major networks like Telekom and bemobile are unreliable, greatly impacting the daily operations of nearby communities, small businesses, and schools.
As an elder, he recognizes the advantages of network coverage and services in today’s world.
Tolavaka, who is now in his 80s, has witnessed the unreliability of telecommunications in his community of Niarovai over the past years, greatly affecting rural communities’ access to such services.
While some communities within the South and North Vella constituencies now enjoy network coverage, he believes that his community’s needs should not be used to justify the poor telecommunications given the availability of technology.
“Today, I can see the younger generation in my community and even in other communities within Vella and the surrounding islands. The Internet and communication are platforms that connect the world today,” Tolavaka expressed.
He further emphasized that in the country, most work depends entirely on the internet.
Tolavaka suggested that once the South East Vella constituency has a new leader, they must work closely with chiefs and elders in the communities to establish proper internet services.
His hope is for his people, especially students, to access the internet and communicate with relatives.
Tolavaka stressed that the issue of network and internet access is not unique to rural communities; there are similar problems faced by communities in the surrounding islands, including the Solomon Islands.
He eagerly awaits any internet service provider that could serve his community as part of securing a brighter future for the next generation.
Additionally, he urges voters to choose the right leader who will guide the South East Vella constituency in the future.
