Electricity deal signed for sub-stations in Mendi, Tari

The new 132kV transmission line that will connect Hela, Southern Highlands and Western Highlands is set to begin after landowners and
PNG Power signed two memorandums of agreement last week for the construction of sub-stations in Mendi and Tari.
According to PNG Power, the project would include the construction of four 132/66/22kV sub-stations in
Mt Hagen (Keltiga), Pauanda (Kaupena), Mendi (Tindimi) and Tari (Wabia), and 189km of 132kV transmission lines.
Last July, PNG Power signed the first two agreements with landowners of Kaupena and Keltiga.
Construction work started last August for those two sub-stations.
Landowners of Kawe-Tombela village in Tari, and those of Kumin village near Mendi have also agreed to have the other two new sub-stations built on their land, when they signed the MOAs in Tari and Mendi last Thursday and Friday respectively.
Tari Kawe-Tobela landowner chairman Pr Andrew Tumbi said they realised the need for electricity service in the Highlands region, and were happy to give their resources for this power project.
“This project must go ahead and we are ready to work together with PNG Power for the construction of this sub-station,” he said.
“We will provide the necessary security and resources during the construction.”
TeBian Electrical Apparatus Stock Co Ltd (TBEA) general manager Xiao Zhi said this project underscored the friendship between TBEA, PNG Power, landowners, and the PNG and Chinese governments.
“Without landowners’ help, we would not have come this far and signed these agreements,” he said.
“Our team will begin work and we will need continuous support from the landowners.
“Together with PNG Power, we will deliver this as one of the best hi-tech electricity projects.”
This 132kV transmission line will be the second of its kind in the country.
It will cover 189km from Mt Hagen to Mendi and Tari.
PNG Power project manager Richard Minala said the landowners of the sub-station sites had pledged their full support to the project.
“Following the signing of the two memorandums of agreement last week in Tari and Mendi, civil works will commence immediately,” he said.
“We will construct 448 transmission towers between Mt Hagen to Mendi and Tari.
“This project is located in highly-volatile areas but I urge the landowners to take ownership and responsibility of this project.
“If there is any issues, there are proper avenues to resolve the matter.”