In a significant development towards Papua New Guinea's electrification targets, international donor partners have pledged support in line with the 2018 Apec commitment. The aim is to ensure 70 per cent of the population has access to reliable power supply by 2030. The announcement came following a crucial meeting between the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Treasury, Ian Ling-Stuckey, and World Bank vice president Manuela Ferro in Washington, United States, last week. Minister Ling-Stuckey highlighted the pivotal role of reliable energy supply, emphasizing the National Energy Access Transformation (Neat) project. Valued at US$204.2 million (about K775 million), this initiative aims to connect 194,000 more people to the grid in urban areas through enhancements in distribution networks and mobile substations. Moreover, an additional 232,000 individuals in smaller towns will benefit from mini electrical grids, while remote areas will see the implementation of micro-grids, thanks to the financing commitment.
Crucially, both Papua New Guinea and the World Bank have agreed to advance the Neat project to the National Executive Council (NEC) by the end of April, with negotiations slated to commence by mid-May. This move is expected to facilitate the allocation of funds for another significant electrification endeavor planned by Australia, as per the Department of Treasury. In tandem with this agreement, the government has committed to advancing its on-lending policy to NEC by the end of this month, underlining its commitment to accelerating progress in the energy sector. Minister Ling-Stuckey also shed light on the ongoing World Bank program in PNG, detailing its focus on infrastructure rehabilitation, job creation initiatives, and healthcare support. Notably, discussions centered on the forthcoming health project, with suggestions to prioritize hospital infrastructure. Reflecting on the outcomes of the meeting, Minister Ling-Stuckey hailed it as a productive engagement with a key international partner. The discussions underscored concerted efforts to bolster economic growth, expedite electrification projects crucial for development, and strategically plan for the government's healthcare agenda. The commitment from international donor partners marks a significant step forward in Papua New Guinea's journey towards achieving widespread access to reliable electricity, paving the way for enhanced socio-economic development across the nation. Also read Comments are closed.
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