Yonki grid gets K2bil upgrade

 By GYNNIE KERO

THE K2 billion Yonki grid upgrade project will address problems faced by business houses during consistent power blackouts, Treasurer Don Polye said on Tuesday.

He said this after returning from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) meeting in New

Delhi, India. 

“I am happy with the signing of the loan agreement between ADB and PNG for the US$83 million for the completion of the Port Moresby power grid and Ramu power grid,” he said.

Polye also held discussions with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which will be involved in the upgrade of the Yonki grid upgrade and the Port Moresby water and sewerage projects.

He stressed that many businesses in the Mamose and Highlands regions have suffered as a result of power cuts.

“The Wafi-Golpu project is an important project as it will bring in investments. It is the second biggest to the LNG Project and will require lot of power,” Polye said.

“The upgrading of the Yonki grid cost about K2 billion which will produce power at full capacity and supply power to Mamose and Highlands businesses who are suffering because of constant black outs and unreliable power supply. 

“I gave first phase of the Yonki grid project to JICA who is also co-financing the project. I also discussed with JICA the Port Moresby sewerage which the agreement has been signed and taken three years since 2010.

“JICA is keen. Prime Minister Peter O’Neill is keen and I am keen to see it happened this expedited by mid this year.”