Blackout hits Mendi
By ANDREW ALPHONSE
PNG Power Ltd is expected to face millions of kina in damages after a sudden power surge destroyed office equipment and home electrical appliances in the Southern Highlands provincial capital of Mendi last Thursday.
Hundreds of residents who had their computers, television sets and other electrical appliances destroyed by the power surge have been flooding the Mendi PNG Power office to lodge their claims for the equipment and appliances destroyed during the power surge.
The power disruptions that occurred last Saturday at about 3.30pm had also destroyed equipment at Telikom PNG’s Mendi exchange centre, prompting a communication blackout to both B-mobile and land-line phones.
Yesterday, Andy Tui, owner of Tawian stationery supplies in Mendi said the sudden power blackout had crippled the town’s entire business operations and thrown it into chaos with no electricity and communication supplies.
He said when power supply was restored after the provincial government summoned PNG Power head office in Port Moresby, the township was still cut-off with telecommunications.
He said the Bank South Pacific branch in Mendi opened for business but did not allow for electronic transactions, while the only Automatic Telling Machine lobby in town had been closed since last Friday.
Post PNG staff in Mt Hagen also confirmed that they could not process SMK fast money transfers (Salim Moni Kwik) service to Mendi Post Office in the last couple of days due to power and communications blackout affecting the town.
Mr Tui said business houses in Mendi are reportedly planning to file law suit against PNG Power for damages.
PNG Power Ltd Highlands regional manager Esau Noel yesterday confirmed the power disruptions but added that two teams have already been sent to Mendi to investigate the incident.
He said in the meantime consumers who have had their electrical appliances damaged should forward their claims to the PPL office in Mendi for further deliberations.
Mr Noel said they would not comment any further until they have furnished a report on the incident to the head office in Port Moresby.
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