Too much money spent

The National Letters

Please allow me to comment on the Weekender story titled ‘District charts a novel pathway’ by Jeffrey Elapa on Jan 14, 2018.
A cheque of K298,000 was paid to a William Katiyati for the Malalaua solar street lights project by Kerema district development authority.
This is too much money for such a small project.
With that amount, I can install two solar hybrid power systems for two hospitals in the district to improve healthcare for our people.
This is absolute insanity.
While Malalaua District Hospital is in total darkness, we have the money to light up streets to cater for vendors and drunks while hospital staff struggle to attend to emergencies at night with torch lights.
I write this because with half of the amount (K298,000) given to Tag Energy Ltd, I can install the latest solar hybrid power system capable of generating 240Vac, 24/7operation, 15-20 years battery life with less maintenance for Malalaua hospital within five working days
These systems can power all appliances at home or office environment including motor type appliances such as water pumps, refrigerators, air conditioners, fans, etc.
These systems support access to quality healthcare and education services, clean water and good communication services, to name a few.
What are the benefits of street lights?
They are prone to vandalism.
In no time they will be removed.
I write this as a Malalaua local, I know my people.
We spend money on unreliable projects and watch our mothers die of birth complications, people die of injuries and curable diseases such as tuberculosis, etc.
I write this because I operate a small enterprise out of Malalaua (Tag Energy Ltd project site) under the National Government’s SME scheme to achieve Pillar #5 of PNG Vision 2050, ‘Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change’.
We specialise in all solar products with the principle purpose of providing safe and affordable solar energy to unserved rural communities, rural health and education establishments.
We serve churches and the vast majority of indigenous-owned SMEs to reduce poverty, empowering and improving their living standards, enabling them to participate actively in the socio economic and rural development of PNG.
We follow standards and guidelines for the specifications and installations of on and off-grid solar photovoltaic.
We adhere to PNG Power rules governing installation of solar products from street lights to large scale on and off-grid solar
We have a proven track record in Gulf as we have installed solar power systems for rural health facilities since 2016:

  • 1×3 b/r staff house and 1x clinic – Sepoe;
  • 1x 20 bed ward- Kukipi;
  • 1x 3 b/r staff house and 1x clinic – Hetoare;
  • 1x 20 bed ward – Terapo;
  • 1x 20 bed ward – Ihu; and
  • 1x admin office- Baimuru

These facilities were opened by Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae and Gulf Governor Chris Haiveta in Sept 2018.
These installations each have a permanent wiring system built to Australian and New Zealand standards and are currently in full operation.
People from these areas now have access to quality healthcare as enjoyed by people who are in urban areas.
The streets of Malalaua re still in darkness.
Come on Tag Energy Ltd, where are you?
Please come quickly and light the streets for our sick mothers, children, widows, ophans, the elderly, low-income families and people who live under poverty line to enjoy before we die.
May God bless you William Katiyati and your company, Tag Energy Ltd, in your endeavour to help our people.

Chris B Aihi
Director- ENC Electrical Ltd
Malalaua
Gulf