Electrification talks went well, PM says

THE Government is satisfied with discussions on the smooth implementation of the PNG electricity partnership project, says Prime Minister James Marape.
He met the heads of mission of the four countries – the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Japan – which are funding the electrification programme.
They signed the deal during the 2018 Leaders’ Summit in Port Moresby.
The representatives he met were US Ambassador Erin McKee, Japanese Ambassador Kuniyuki Nakahara, Australian High Commissioner Jonathan Philp and New Zealand’s Deputy High Commissioner Davene Vroon.
“I am satisfied with our discussions.
“We agreed to progress a clear and coordinated pathway for the implementation of the PNG Electrification Partnership without any further delay,” he said.
Marape said the Government preferred the expansion of existing on-grid facilities rather than developing off-grid power generation and distribution which could be outsourced. He urged the four countries to have the project run parallel with the major national road and telecommunication transmission networks programmes underway in the country.
“This will complement my Government’s plans and policies on developing major economic corridors and providing electricity to 70 per cent of the country’s population by 2025,” he said.
He said a technical working committee would be formed to “ensure that this partnership is effectively coordinated and implemented”.