by Serah Aupong – EM TV, Port Moresby
The list of customers owing PNG Power money is out.
The list numbers over 1,800.
According to PNG Power, the customers listed have not paid their bills for over 30 days. This includes individuals, businesses, government agencies, church agencies and foreign missions.
However, some customers, when contacted, said they did not owe PNG Power money. The list of names published in the daily papers today contains the consumer number, name and location of customers who have outstanding bills to settle with PNG Power.
A name causing a stir is an individual listed as Mr Ben Micah under the Port Moresby section, whom some are assuming is the Public Enterprise Minister himself.
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Public Enterprise says they have noted the name on the list and are checking with the PNG Power office to clarify if it is, in fact, the Public Enterprise Minister.
They claim the Minister does not own any property in the National Capital District. However, if it is in fact the Minister, the official word is “the minister is not above the law and he will, of course, settle this outstanding bill.”
Notable foreign missions named were:
Korean Embassy
Malaysian High Commissioner
Australian High Commission
British High Commission
American Embassy
When contacted, sources within the Embassy of the Republic of Korea said they did not owe PNG Power outstanding bills and find it “very inappropriate” that their name is on the list.
An officer within the Malaysian High Commission told EM TV that they are “very surprised” to find out that the Malaysian High Commissioner is on the list.
The officer says their office and all their residences are on the PNG Power prepaid system, Easipay.
The officer say they have not received any notices from PNG Power informing them of the outstanding bill and believe this must be a mistake. The Australian High Commission’s official statement read:
“We are working to resolve a claim of a possible outstanding debt between PNG Power and the Australian High Commission.”
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