PNG Power’s Chief Executive, John Tangit, says Lae’s ongoing power blackouts will end in 15 months.
In an interview, which will be broadcast tonight on EMTV’s Tok Piksa program, John Tangit also gave assurances that there will be no power disruptions during the Pacific Games.
It comes as the state owned company, faces increasing public pressure over its services.
In the last five years, the rate of power outages all over the country has increased significantly. In Major Cities like Port Moresby, Lae and Mt. Hagen, there are power disruptions every week. The public backlash against the state owned company has been merciless.
On social media, every blackout – informally documented within minutes as a facebook update and the PNG power management heavily criticized.
But in a recorded interview to be aired tonight on EMTV’s Tok Piksa program, the company’s CEO, says power outages in at least one City – Lae – will end within 15 months.
15 months is a time frame, that many view with a high level of skepticism. In Port Moresby two gas turbines will come into operation before the 2015 games. Tangit says there will be quote: “no more screaming customers in Port Moresby when that happens.”
Many of the problems faced by PNG power are what the company’s management and the Minister responsible, Ben Micah, call… again… quote: “legacy problems.” They include long neglected unmaintained, aging equipment.
And like other government agencies, PNG’s development has outpaced the company’s ability to supply power.
John Tangit is confident of better days ahead.
