Deputy Prime Minister Albert Nicholas addressed concerns regarding the out-of-stock government-subsidised fertiliser and the reliance on a single power generator in Aitutaki.

During question-and-answer time in Parliament last week, Nicholas, who is also the Minister for Infrastructure, stated that the focus was on securing one genset (generator) for Aitutaki in response to a question from One Cook Islands MP Toanui Isamaela regarding the island’s reliance on a single generator.

“I spoke with the chairman of the Aitutaki Board and the CEO of Te Mana Uira o Araura Enua. They expressed concerns, stating that things are not looking good because there is only one genset operating on Aitutaki today,” Isamaela told Parliament on Wednesday.

“According to them, if this genset fails, it will result in a blackout across Aitutaki. This ‘horse’ is running 24/7, and there is no other ‘horse’ in the world that can do this; fortunately, this one is from Russia. If this genset were to blow up, it would become a problem for my MP friends from Vai-Vai-Tau and Are-Nikau.

“As members of government, it is their responsibility to push this issue forward, but I’m uncertain about the current situation.”

DPM Nicholas responded that he recently became aware that a short-term fix might be necessary before moving into the development of phase two of the solar programme.

“Given this information, let me go back to CIIC (Cook Islands Investment Corporation) for further discussion, especially since Honourable Member Tai Herman brought it up to me about two weeks ago.”
Nicholas said that approximately $8 million has been allocated for the second phase of the solar programme in Araura Enua.

The Deputy Prime Minister also addressed questions regarding fertiliser supplies on behalf of the Minister for Agriculture, who was away on overseas duties.

In Parliament on Wednesday last week, Opposition MP and Cook Islands United Party leader Teariki Heather questioned about the stock of fertilisers on the island and the frequent delays in shipments and shortages.

According to Nicholas, the Cook Islands government has allocated over $200,000 to the Ministry of Agriculture for the purchase of fertilisers, which will then be sold to planters at a reduced price.

Nicholas said the revenue generated from these sales would be reinvested to purchase additional fertilisers.

However, he noted that the fertilisers are currently out of stock, and it is unclear if a new shipment has been secured.