Death due to people’s ignorance

 PNG Power Ltd (PPL) chief executive officer John Tangit said the electrocution case at the Polytechnic Institute Campus in Lae last month was the result of people’s ignorance, foolishness and careless attitude in dealing with power connections.

He claimed the death on June 17 was a result of illegal connections.

“On behalf of PNG Power board and management, I pass our deepest condolence to the family of the late Jason Eyal,” Tangit said. 

“This incident is a direct result of people’s ignorance, foolishness and careless attitude in dealing with power connections. 

“I condemn the engagement of persons who undertook this illegal, uncertified connection and will ensure those responsible are held to account for their actions.

“Proper consultation with PNG Power inspectors must be sought before engaging contract electricians to undertake electrical installation modifications and upgrades.”

Tangit said the contractor or the school did not engage with or invite PPL for technical inspection of the alterations inside the campus. 

“The school is supplied via a bulk metering setup and PPL is responsible for supply to the point of the bulk meter. Beyond that is the duty and sole responsibility of the customer. 

“Thus, if modifications or alterations to the electrical circuit are done or undertaken after the bulk meter, it is the responsibility of the customer.

“In this case the institute or its contractor should engage PPL inspectors to inspect and award certification for power up. This was not undertaken,” Tangit said. 

“The school is responsible for every installation and connection concerning power after the bulk meter at the Polytechnic Campus.”

Tangit said there were clear indications of illegal and substandard connections done on the property pole that resulted in electricity flowing through the power pole that caused the electrocution. 

He said the matter was now being treated as a police case and thorough investigation had to be done.