Power issues affecting fisheries

ELECTRICITY supply problems in New Ireland have affected the fisheries business in the province, says New Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Nolis Thomas.
Thomas also told The National that fishing had a big potential which was yet to be fully realised.
“We have problems with PNG Power at the moment and a lot of people who would normally deal with seafood have decided not to continue until the power situation is fixed,” Thomas said. “It’s a risk if they continue to buy fish only to have it destroyed due to the lack of power.
“Power fluctuation is a major impairment to the progress of commercial fishing.
“Fishing has a big potential (which) hasn’t been fully realised.”
The major fisheries products in the province include fish, crabs and crayfish.
Thomas also welcomed the Australian government funding of AU$580 (about K1.48bil) to refurbish and upgrade ports around the country.
New Ireland will receive K66.4 million for the Kavieng wharf which will assist the province in exporting its marine products.