Duma assures ‘national asset’ PNG Power will not be sold

PNG Power Limited is a national asset and is not for sale, says Minister for Public Enterprise and State Investment William Duma.
He rubbished claims that PNG Power would be the next State entity to be restructured and sold.
PNG Power acting managing director Carolyn Blacklock in a circular to the staff also termed the claims
of privatisation as baseless and untrue.
Blacklock told the workers that there were baseless rumours circulating among staff regarding the termination of leadership and selling and splitting of PNG Power.
“I can assure you all that there is no intention of privatising PNG Power now or anytime soon,” she said.
“There is no restructure planned at this stage. I intend taking a high-level strategy to the board this week on the current situation facing PNG Power and the options to move forward.
“I regret that those who may be feeling the pressure to perform and are being asked to perform or be removed are behind those baseless rumours.
“I call on all staff to remain focused on their duties and responsibilities and continue to work together as we move to improve this great company of ours and our people.
“Let me assure you that any decision regarding the future of this company and any restructure will always be communicated to you all.” The PNG Energy Workers Association yesterday warned members that the reform taking place with Telikom PNG could also happen to PNG Power. Association general secretary Santee Margis told the workers to be on the alert.
“They did it to Telikom PNG, they did it to Eda Ranu and Water PNG. So we can already see the trend,” Margis said.