Hagen joins celebrations

 STAFF of the PNG Power branch in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands, yesterday joined the rest of the country in the company’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

Staff, family members and the public marched through the streets dressed in blue and white with banners.

They marched from the St Paul Catholic Church to the Queen Elizabeth Park where the main celebration was held.

Traffic came to a standstill as the crowd took to the streets in numbers.

PNG Power Western Highlands branch manager Pulman Tirang said it was a day to celebrate a milestone achievement as a service provider in the country.

“We take this as a very special occassion since we have contributed a lot to the nation’s development,” Tirang said.

He said PNG Power turned 50 years old on Monday, July 1. 

“On Thursday, we will have the Highlands regional celebration in Goroka, Eastern Highlands.

“PNG Power chief executive officer John Tangit, his staff and some members of the board of directors will attend,” Tirang said.

Tirang said staff who had been with PNG Power for more than 30 years would be presented medals.

He said seven staff from Mt Hagen, including himself, were among those listed to receive medals for serving the company.

“This is a significant time for us to look back at what hardship and challenges we faced since 1963,” he said.

“We have been committed to deliver and help in the nation’s building.”

PNG Power has been contributing to nation building by supplying power to the urban and rural areas throughout the country.

Its 50th anniversary is a nationwide event celebrated by staff.

The company was formerly known as the PNG Electricity Commission (ELCOM).