By Delly Bagu – EM TV, Port Moresby
The Opposition has slammed the government’s declaration of a state of emergency for electricity services throughout the country, calling it a “rogue decision”.
At a media conference this afternoon, Mr Polye said there are commercial ways of dealing with the outstanding debts of utility organisations like PNG Power.
The Opposition leader also expressed fear that the government will use PNG Power’s insolvent case as an excuse to cheaply sell 50 per cent of the shares to allegedly known companies to acquire.
The government’s announcement of a state of emergency for electricity services has been met with legality concerns from the Opposition.
The Opposition leader was with the Member for Kikori, Mark Maipakai at the conference at parliament. Mr Polye expressed concerns relating to the constitution, saying the reasons presented by the government are not sufficient to declare a state of emergency.
When announcing the state of emergency on Wednesday, Minister for Public Enterprise and State Investments, Ben Micah mentioned that the NEC decided to invoke the Essential Services Act (2002).
However, Mr Polye was adamant that the state of emergency was unconstitutional and a hindrance to all systems of governance. Mr Polye went on to question the government’s motives, speculating that it may have something to do with the 50 per cent sale of PNG Power.
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