Kiritimati (Christmas) Island in the Line Group on the Eastern part of Kiribati is better known for world class game and bone fishing with spectacular fishing flats that continue to attract fishing enthusiasts from around the world. It is also where every new day begins and leads the world in welcoming new year on every 01st of January.
As the first to welcome each new sunrise, Kiritimati has taken that status to the new level with the construction of the islands first environmentally responsible building complex that will harness the full potential of the sun with renewable solar energy. The building was officially handed over to its owners, the Kiribati Provident Fund (KPF) on Friday 26 March 2021.
Constructed by local builder, Betty’s Construction Services, this first of a kind complex for Kiribati features 24 rental rooms, a board room, 200 pax capacity conference room, lounge bar, accommodation with an open courtyard in the center.
The 360-degree design complex features large glass wall panels that will allow for sufficient light inside the building at any time of the day thus reducing the need for extra lighting.
The building complex will primarily be solar powered with supplementary diesel power available as backup. Such a power source will mean that all the KPF offices, boardroom, conference room and lounge bar will be 100% solar powered while the rented office spaces will be 90% solar powered.
Hon Mikarite Temari, Minister for Line & Phoenix Islands Development (MLPID) received the building from Betty’s Constriction on behalf of the Minister for Finance and Economic Development (MFED), Hon Dr. Teuea Toatu, who is also minister responsible for KPF.
In the handover ceremony, Hon Temari expressed that government was very impressed with the project which was carried out during the Covid-19 border closure and provided employment opportunities for many people in Kiritimati.
The project cost AUS$7million and was funded by the Kiribati Government.
