Minister says SOEs will operate as businesses, give dividends

By HELEN TARAWA
ALL state-owned entities are expected to operate as businesses and provide dividends for the Government, Minister of Public Enterprises and State Investment William Duma pictured, says.
“Like any other business, they all have their own challenges, some worse while others are alright,” he said.
“The idea is to make them readjust themselves and realise that they are owned by Papua New Guineans.
“They have to provide services, make money and provide dividends for our Government.
“In the process, they provide employment opportunities for our people so they are important institutions.”
Duma said the electrification partnership programme was an important project. “We just need to make sure that paperwork is done properly and, of course, these countries have made commitments so it’s not as if money will immediately fall down,” he said.
“There are process to be followed.”
“These countries have their own budget processes to follow and when their governments have their approved funding, they release the funds to PNG so we can carry out the electricity project. The most important thing is that they have agreed to help us and it’s good for us.
“Then the next thing is for them to go through their own budgetary process and make sure that the money is realised.
“We need to know the numbers that are involved and how do we use the funds, how do we access the funds, what are the requirements, once all of these are established then we go out and nominate projects for the funds to be applied.”
Meanwhile, Duma said he was not aware of Telikom PNG managing director Paul Hyde being terminated or replaced.
He said he could not comment on Hyde’s removal or a strike by workers because they had not occurred.
The PNG Communication Workers’ Association said they were meeting to discuss the matter.