EMTV Online – Port Moresby
Houses-which do not have access to electricity, but are within on-grid and off-grid-are set to benefit under the National Rural Electrification Roll-out plan in the country, according to the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and Energy, Honorable Sam Basil.
Having hands-on experience from his Bulolo District, Mr Basil is keen on initiating one-stop regulatory and legal framework under the soon-to-be-introduced National Energy Authority Bill to address fragmentation among the energy sector, giving more teeth and muscle to ICCC for the better and benefit of the people.
Speaking today (Friday, March 02, 2018) at the Annual Leaders’ Summit in Port Moresby’s Crown Plaza, he admitted that PNG Power Limited, the Energy wing of the Department of Petroleum and Energy, and other key stakeholders were operating in isolation with duplication of functions and responsibilities.
Taking into consideration the ongoing concerns about affordability, reliability and generation of power among businesses and individuals, Minister Basil said the Cabinet had already approved the National Energy Policy which takes into consideration their plights.
He commended the Minister for Public Enterprise, honorable William Duma and, his predecessor and Petroleum Minister-honorable Fabian Pok for supporting him for getting it through without any conflict of interests.
Mr Basil also announced bringing in independent power producers for competition tailored towards the people’s benefit.
Complementing the summit’s theme-Accelerating Implementation through Team Work,’ he has taken an undertaking to initiate a major overhaul in the energy sector, citing the establishment of the Energy Task Force to address the isolation and fragmentation issue.
Meanwhile, he has called on fellow open MPs and Governors to partner his energy wing of Department of Petroleum and Energy to light up many houses across the country under the policy.
“I appeal to my honourable members to contribute from their electoral funds to the national vision of providing electricity to 70 percent of our households by 2030 and 100 percent renewable energy as envisaged in our development aspirations,” he told the participants.
Caption: Minister Basil speaking to participants at annual leaders’ summit in Port Moresby.
