Duma: Work in progress for partial privatization of PNG Power

The inconsistent power supply in the country continues to improve at a very slow pace. This has greatly affected every business operation and productivity.

Wau-Waria MP Marsh Narewec highlighted that Lae city in the Morobe Province is the country’s major industrial or manufacturing hub and second biggest province yet experiencing inconsistent blackouts.

Mr Narewec said Morobe also hosts the biggest port in the country and an unreliable power supply is not good.

"We are having unstable electricity issues which have affected businesses, residents, and affected everyone.

 "We are suffering in Lae City. These issues have been going on forever now," Narewec said.

Similar concerns have also been raised by Sinasina Yongomugl MP, Kerenga Kua, and Provincial Member for Morobe, Luther Wenge.

Mr Kua said the government's plan to address this issue seems unclear, and when it will be addressed once and for all, as it's affecting the whole country.

"It's not only affecting Lae, it's  affecting other provinces too.

"It's an issue that questions the leadership. If the government cannot handle and address, simply privatize it. Private sectors know how to manage things, not the government," Kua said.

Mr Wenge also added that the government must privatize PNG Power just like how the government did with PNG Banking Corporation now Bank South Pacific Financial Group Limited.

The Minister Responsible William Duma said PNG Power has engaged a Chinese contractor for rehabilitation.

"And hopefully before the end of this year, this much-needed rehabilitation work will be completed and then full capacity will be restored so that it will be able to service not only Lae, but the rest of the Highlands provinces and Madang."

Minister Duma also clarified that work is in progress for partial privatization of PNG Power.

He said the government has made the decision in this regard in December, 2024 but in order to reach the final stages, there are areas that they need to look into.

"The decision was made in December last year, and it's currently going through the proper process.

"Let me be clear, selling a company like PNG Power will not be a fire sale. Everyone wants to buy it cheap, but this is a strategic national asset.

"If we’re going down the path of partial privatization, we must do it properly. That means thoroughly reviewing the books, conducting accurate valuations, and ensuring our people receive a fair return on their investment." Duma said.

Mr Duma assured the country that progress has been made and that eventually the power issue will be addressed.