Solar power station setup illegal: Ling-Stuckey

KAVIENG MP Ian Ling-Stuckey says the New Ireland government’s new solar power station in Konos is illegal and a threat to the town’s electricity supply.
Ling-Stuckey, who is also Treasurer, said the Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) had written to the provincial government asking for an explanation within 14 days why it was operating the power plant illegally.
He said according to the letter, the plant did not have the required regulatory approvals, and that its continued operation would expose the provincial government and the people of New Ireland to fines of up to K10 million.
“I am also advised that technical problems may destabilise Kavieng town’s electricity, causing blackouts.
Ling-Stuckey said he was surprised that the provincial government and New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan had gone ahead with the project without first obtaining the required regulatory approvals and ensuring that the town’s supply was not compromised.
“This is not the first time Sir Julius and his team have flouted the law this way,” Ling-Stuckey said.
“They cannot pretend to be unaware of the regulatory and technical requirements.
“They previously built and operated a power plant at Namatanai without approval from the ICCC.
“It is a blatant breach of national laws, and they should be ashamed of themselves.
“The people of New Ireland cannot afford to pay a K10 million fine and to lose their power supply.”