K2m project starts

 By FREDDY MOU

WORK on the K2 million Wabag rural electrification project is underway. 

Wabag MP Robert Sandan Ganim was on the site last week to see the work done by the PNG Power Ltd rural electrification team from Mt Hagen for the 2km project from Wakumale to Lakemanda. 

This was the start of stage one work, which will spread to other villages, including Teremanda-Pokaru (4km), Irelya-Imambus (2km), Aipus-Litoame (3km), Sakales-Sangasambes (3km), Sopas-Lai Bridge (5km), Sari-Kaiap (Tole) (5km), Highway-Lenki (2km), and Sopas-Kepakanda (2km).

Stage two will cover Tole-Kaiap (3km), Lai Bridge (3km), Birip-Lakopenda (5km), Akom-Kopemale-Pyakai/We’e (15km), Sangurap-Liamanda (3km) and Kopemale-Takeanda (8km) – 65km of powerlines to be erected along these villages. 

Under the Somare Government, K85 million (Government gave K65 million and PNG Power K20 million) was allocated for the rural electrification programme. 

Wabag district received about K2 million. 

Out of that, K800,000 was spent before the national election last year by the former administration of Sam Abal. But no work had been done until this year when Ganim took office. 

With the remaining funds, a 3.5 tonne truck worth about K120,000 has been bought and 40 poles transported from Lae to Wabag for work to resume.

Ganim hopes to see his people have electricity by the mid next year.