Blackouts hurting trade

 THE continuous power outages in Maprik, East Sepik, has greatly affected business activities in the district, a forum has been told.

Local businessman Yaliwi Nongi said the business community in Maprik had seen a 50 per cent drop in sales due to consistent power black outs.

“The continuous power disruption since October last year has affected most businesses and their normal operations,” he said.

Nongi questioned the PNG Power Ltd management if they have been conducting checks on a daily basis.

“If these have been done, I think all spare parts needed to fix the generators would be readily available if there is a problem.

“Business sales have dropped and many perishable items like freezer goods have been damaged due to this power disruption.

“The problem could have been prevented if there is proper management of maintaining and operating the supply of power,” he said.

Nongi said business houses have plans in conducting their affairs and the issue of power outages had affected these operations.

“Who’s going to compensate us for the loss we encountered? Business houses are the main consumers of electricity, and without us, I don’t think PNG Power will contemplate to having run big operations.”

Nongi said electricity had been used to conduct businesses, however the load shedding led to almost three weeks of black outs.

“The power disruption has caused the water supply to stop which affected all power consumers,” Nongi  said.