Energy sector gaining momentum, says Onglo

ENERGY Minister William Onglo says the country’s energy sector is now gaining momentum as an important driver to economic growth and therefore, it deserves to have a separate minister.
Onglo was speaking yesterday at the handover of Energy Ministry to him by Petroleum Minister Kerenga Kua.
“No doubt the energy sector is now gaining momentum as a very important driver to economic growth and deserves a separate minister,” he said.
Onglo said he would ensure the Energy Bill was presented to the National Executive Council (NEC) for endorsement soon.
“I will ensure that the Bill is presented to the NEC for endorsement and to the National Parliament for enactment as soon as possible.”
Onglo added that major challenges facing the sector which included;

• THE establishment of the National Energy Authority as a separate organisation to develop and implement policies and also regulate the industries which come under the ambit of authority;
• A LOT of funds would be required to implement the national electrification roll-out plan and the PNG electricity partnership;
• ADEQUATE funding required by the National Energy Authority to develop and implement policies and also regulate the energy sector; and,
• A CAPABLE National Energy Authority with an appropriate mandate required to manage the energy sector.