Senator Lamin Newton says the government was forced to halt a programme providing solar lights to farmers after repeated theft undermined its effectiveness, prompting officials to redesign the initiative to better protect the equipment

Speaking during the 2026 budget debate in the Upper House, Newton explained that the solar lighting project was intended to assist farmers working in remote agricultural areas by improving security and nighttime visibility. However, he said widespread theft made it impossible for the programme to continue in its original form.

Newton told senators that the decision to suspend the rollout was taken after it became clear that the lights were being removed or damaged shortly after installation, defeating the purpose of the initiative and resulting in financial losses.

He said the government did not abandon the concept but instead moved to reassess the design of the solar units to reduce the risk of theft. As part of that process, Newton said he examined alternative models during overseas visits, including newer designs that are more secure and less vulnerable to removal.

The senator said the revised approach aims to ensure that when the programme resumes, farmers will receive equipment that can remain in place and provide long-term benefits, rather than being lost to theft.

Newton framed the pause and redesign as part of a broader effort to protect public investments in agriculture, noting that government support for farmers must be matched by systems that safeguard state-funded equipment.

The solar lighting programme forms part of wider agricultural support measures outlined during the budget debate, including investments in equipment, irrigation, land preparation and water storage to improve food security and farm productivity.

Debate on the 2026 Appropriation Bill continues in the Senate.