Power project begins

KUM Kopi community living at Mt Kuta on the outskirts of Mt Hagen will soon have electricity connected to their homes.
On Thursday, Kum Kopi Incorporated Land Group (ILG) chairman William Umil presented a cheque for K150,000 to P&P Lines Construction Ltd for work to begin.
He said the electrification project would cost K300,000 and would be paid in three instalments-the first was the K150,000 presented which would be followed by K90,000 and K60,000.
“The Kum Kopi ILG is the mouthpiece for the 3,700 plus population and the funding made available by the local MP William Duma will be used to improve basic services that will impact the lives of the people.
“The funds made available will be used to improve important services in the community such as a water supply, road improvements and others,” he said.
Councillor Peter Raim said they would use the funds effectively and will also look at constructing drainage for roads and purchasing meter boxes. He said though the community was several kilometres away from Mt Hagen, they had no access to electricity for many years and people relied on solar, generators, torches and fire.
“Rural electrification is vital to improve living standards and promote development. This would encourage SME’s,” he said.