Govt must invest more in electricity, says official

THE Government must invest more in electricity if it wants to develop the economy through small-medium enterprises (SME), according to the Goroka Chamber of Commerce.
Chamber deputy chairman Ian Mopafi said apart from putting K200 million into the Bank of South Pacific (BSP) and National Development Bank (NDB) for the SME, the State must fix the consistent power blackouts.
Those depending on the Yonki hydro-power scheme are facing power blackouts.
They are forced to buy generators for their electricity supply.
“Those of us roasting coffee need consistent electricity supply.
“We cannot wait for hours for electricity to come on again,” he said.
“The coffee (quality) is spoilt. We spend a lot of money to buy coffee and to add value so as to sell at a good price.
“All gone to waste because of the inconsistent electricity supply.”
He said the Yonki reservoir could not allow PNG Power Ltd to go into load shedding.
“For SME operators like myself, when there is no electricity, I (skip) coffee roasting, honey extraction and timber milling. I suffer (because of) blackouts.”
An Asian shop owner in West Goroka who asked not to be identified was also concerned about the power outages.
“We are struggling to serve the people and the Government should provide an alternative power supply,” he said.