By Fabian Hakalits – EM TV News, Port Moresby
The Autonomous Region of Bougainville has launched the Improved Energy Access for Rural Communities Project.
The Improved Energy Access for Rural Communities Project was recently launched at Sorom Village, in the Selau/Suir Constituency of North Bougainville.
The project co-financed by the New Zealand and Japanese Government’s, is in-line with the Ramazon Hydro Power Project, which covers Kokopau to Ramazon then to Tearouki.
ABG’s Selau Constituency Member, Joseph Watawi, thanked landowners for allowing development on their land, without claiming any compensation on cash crops.
“With electricity, there will be more development. I thank landowners and also thanked the stakeholders involved, for their generosity in developing the Autonomous Region of Bougainville,” he said.
The Asian Development Bank was proud to fund this project, they state, because it will create many benefits to locals who will also access electricity supply.
Project Officer for Energy Fred Ramos said this project was the symbolic opening for other provinces of Papua New Guinea; West New Britain and Northern.
“This project aims to connect 5,000 households to electricity supply. It is also expected to provide employment opportunities and educational programs on gender, HIV/Aids, financial literacy and electricity safety.”
Mr Ramos also thank the New Zealand and Japanese Government’s for their generous contribution of US$2.5 million each which is equivalent to US$5 million.
“The grant funding will go towards the distribution of network project. An additional US$5 million has been committed by the New Zealand Government for additional connections,” he said.
The project is delivered in partnership with the PNG Government, Autonomous Bougainville Government, Asian Development Bank, New Zealand and Japanese Government’s.
The project will be undertaken by PNG Power, Limited across a distance of 45km from Buka to Tearouki and will be connected to the Ramazon Hydro Power Station and the Buka thermal power station.
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