Unequal distribution

THERE is a lack of fair and equal distribution of basic government services such as electricity by the state and PNG Power in the country.
The proposed Ramu electricity supply project is an example of concentrating service delivery to those who already have it, ignoring the ‘have-nots’.
The two Sepik provinces have been neglected for so long by the state to provide adequate and sufficient electricity supply service.
There is a growing demand for electricity in the two provinces due to increased socio-economic activities.
The current service provided by PNG Power from its diesel generators, with continuous power blackouts in the two provinces, is quite inadequate and insufficient to cater for the growing need.
The PNG Electricity Commission in the mid-1970s undertook a feasibility study to build a hydroelectric power station in Hawain river outside Wewak.
This proposal was shelved. The feasibility study, that cost hundreds and thousands of kina, has been collecting dust for over 40 years in PNG Power’s board room.
Can the government and PNG Power revisit this feasibility study and try to build a hydro power station to provide adequate and sufficient power supply to the two Sepik provinces to meet their growing demand?

Glenn L Wamas @ EDP