POWER PROJECT REVIVED AFTER 5 YEAR DELAY IN IMBONGGU

BY JOE REMA

A RURAL electrification project linking Lipenomu to Tona Piambil in Imbonggu District, Southern Highlands Province, has resumed after being stalled for five years.

The project, which began in 2021, was revived following a directive from Imbonggu MP and Minister for Justice and Attorney General Pila Niningi through the new Imbonggu District Development Authority administration led by Chief Executive Officer Paul Kereme.

Mr Kereme said reviving the project became one of his first priorities after discovering power pylons left unused at the district headquarters.

“When I assumed office, I found the power pylons sitting idle instead of being used for their intended purpose. I immediately fast-tracked the process to have them transported to the project site so work could resume,” he said.

He also thanked PNG Power Rural Electrification Highlands Project Manager Carsey Mape and his team for responding promptly to the district’s request to restart the project.

“As public servants, we are entrusted to serve our people. Effective service delivery must always remain our highest priority,” Mr Kereme said.

Truckloads of power pylons were transported to Tona Village on Monday, marking the resumption of construction.

Mr Mape acknowledged former contractor Tagali Contractor for completing the first four kilometres of the power line.

“PNG Power will continue from where the contractor stopped. If there are no landowner issues, we expect to complete the project before December,” he said.

Councillor John Las called on landowners to support the project.

“Our people have waited many years for this service. Let us avoid unnecessary disputes and work together so electricity reaches our communities before Christmas,” he said.

The project is expected to supply electricity to villages and schools along the Lipenomu–Tona Piambil corridor, improving essential services and supporting development in the area.