Chief Douglas Teaitala Of Ulawa Urges Action Amid Concerns Over Communication Hurdles for Voters and Candidates
By Lionel Taorao, Stringer/Reporter – Ulawa
A candidate vying for the provincial assembly seat in North Ulawa Ward, Ulawa Island, Makira Ulawa Province, has called upon Our Telekom to enhance its network coverage on Ulawa Island as Election Day approaches.
Expressing his concerns, Chief Douglas Teaitala, a candidate for the North Ulawa ward, highlighted the significance of internet access for the residents of Ulawa Island in obtaining news updates and communicating, particularly during the electoral period. He emphasized that the current network outages on the island hinder the ability of candidates and voters to access crucial information, including updates from the Makira Ulawa Provincial Elections Office.
According to Chief Teaitala, the reliance on Our Telekom’s communication services is substantial, especially considering the limited availability of alternative mediums like portable radios for accessing national broadcasts such as the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC). He noted that access to reliable communication services is vital for staying informed about election matters, and the recent difficulties in accessing updates on candidate draws held in Kirakira are concerning.
Chief Teaitala urged Our Telekom to promptly address the ongoing network issues to ensure that the people of Ulawa have reliable communication services leading up to the polling day on April 17. He highlighted the importance of telecommunications for essential services such as online banking, particularly for teachers and nurses on Ulawa Island who rely on Our Telekom due to limited access to banking facilities on the island.
Our Telekom has already established two telecommunication towers on Ulawa Island, located in Su’u Moli in the northern part and Ripo in the southwest. Reportedly, Telekom engineers are actively working on improving the network link and providing necessary support.
