Opposition Leader Hon. James Nomane has called on new PNG Power Minister Hon. Richard Maru to outline plans to address PNG’s reputation as the “richest blackout country” and to clarify the ownership of PNG Power.
During question time in parliament today, Mr. Nomane asked the Minister what plans he has as the new minister to end frequent blackouts across the country.
“What are your plans to ensure that Papua New Guinea is no longer labeled the richest blackout country in the Pacific?”Mr. Nomane asked.
He also raised concerns over the ownership structure of PNG Power.
“It is also a concern to the Opposition to confirm to this honourable house and the people of Papua New Guinea who owns PNG Power, and to give an undertaking that there will be no capital restructure where PNG Power debtors will be given a stake in PNG Power to have ownership in PNG Power” Mr. Nomane said.
“If we can get that undertaking, then it will be business as usual, and the focus will be on the performance of PNG Power.”
In response, the Minister for International Trade and Investment and Minister responsible for PNG Power, Hon. Richard Maru, acknowledged the question and said,
“My official handover will happen next Monday, and I will outline my plans and answer those after I officially take over PNG Power,” Mr. Maru said.