The nation’s electricity supplier giant has not forgotten its community service obligations in locations where costs exceed income generated from electricity sales, despite its steady efforts to address its operational issues.
PNG Power Limited has recently invested in two 1Mega Watt generators for the Kerema and Maprik townships at a total cost of K1.1 million.
“Kerema has suffered because of its power station breaking down and causing prolonged outages.”
PNG Power according to the media release has recognized Kerema as a provincial center that was set to grow with the pending development of the Papua LNG Project.
“Local businesses, schools, the hospital and residents require an improved and importantly, reliable power supply.”
“The Genset is already in Kerema and the PNG Power technical team will undertake the installation works for commissioning in December.”
“This installation will provide power until the construction of a DFAT supported solar project commences in 2024.”
PNG Power further added that Maprik is also becoming the economic hub of Central Sepik and this has increased the demand for electricity in the township.
“Maprik town is experiencing rapid growth with many investors, financial institutions and business houses setting up offices in the township.”
PNG Power has purchased a containerized CAT generator which will arrive on site by the end of November to ensure that the town has an efficient electricity delivery.
“Maprik has also been earmarked to operate in future under a solar hybrid model and construction for this solar facility will start later in 2024.”
“Civil and associated works have already begun in preparation for commissioning in the first week of December.”
Furthermore, PNG Power will be rolling out similar plans in other smaller townships in the country in the coming year as it continues to ensure that electricity generation and distribution is improved in a cost-effective manner for the people of Papua New Guinea.