US envoy urges focus on rural electrification

PAPUA New Guinea needs accessible and affordable electricity, according to outgoing United States ambassador to PNG, Erin E McKee.
McKee left the country last week to take up a new posting in Washington DC.
She said the US, along with Japan, New Zealand, Australia and PNG – supported the goal of connecting 70 per cent of the population to electricity by 2030.
“Together, these five like-minded democracies share the same vision as well as the same commitment to delivering on the promise of raising the standard of living for all people everywhere,” she said.
“This is outlined in the universal declaration of human rights.
“American companies in PNG have contributed to the economy by creating jobs, training and improve workplace values such as equal opportunity and safe working conditions. “Partnerships with private sectors to end corruption in order to promote transparency and
accountability, will make PNG successful, resilient and prosperous in the future.”
McKee said corruption would be defeated by implementing reforms done with international anti-corruption commitments; to develop transparent accountable institutions and empower citizens, journalists and civil society organisations.
She said the US government believed that empowering women was essential.
“All women should have access to jobs, an education and a voice,” she said.
“Women must have access to employment, income and necessities to educate and keep their families healthy.
“When women are empowered, it benefits entire societies, thus, making the nation stronger.”