Kandep MP Don Polye has launched a K15 million solar energy project which has been described as a “milestone undertaking” to light up his mostly disadvantaged district.
This is in line with APEC and PNG Government’s commitment during last
year’s (APEC) meeting in Port Moresby to light up 70 per cent of the country mainly the rural sector by 2030.
Polye announced K1 million as counter funding this week in Kandep during the occasion to partner with Australia, New Zealand, PNG and other countries that were mandated by APEC to facilitate the program.
Kandep, which is about 45 kilometres away from Wabag where the PNG Power main grid is, has been without proper lighting for more than 45 years.
“Kandep needs power, whether in the form of hydroelectricity or solar energy, more than other districts because my people had been living in the dark for more than 46 years after Independence.
“In fact, further injustice will be done to the people if I don’t come up with this project. Therefore, this undertaking is very important
to the people in my district,” he said.
Poly said he would be talking with Australia, New Zealand and PNG Governments to assist with necessary funding to fully implement the
program.
“I am sure the three countries will assist. This is because I am committed to becoming a realistic partner in implementing the APEC
commitment to light up our country by 2030,” he said.
Polye said GPSD Solar Energy, a local company, had been engaged to implement the project starting with the newly elevated Kandep Secondary School.
This will be followed by other government institutions including health, education and church facilities before covering more than
60,000 households in the district.
“My district procurement committee has tasked GPSD Solar Energy to carry out this project based on its wide ranging experience and capacity to deliver. I am confident that it will do a great job according to our expectation,” he said.
GPSD Solar Energy, managing director Joe Nete gave an undertaking that his company, which is currently engaged in similar projects in Asia including Thailand, would deliver light to every household in Kandep with “adequate funding back up” from the relevant partners.
“My company is internationally recognised as we have projects in Thailand. We also deal with high profile Australian companies such as Commodre Energy, All Brisbane and Brian Bell Trade Electrical for design, training and materials supply.
“The biggest project that we have delivered is a 54 megawatt solar farm in Thailand. That means, the whole of Kandep district is within
our capacity to deliver,” he said.
Other projects that GPSD has delivered so far in the country include Enga Teachers College, Enga College of Nursing, Bomana Jail, Baisu
Jail, Mul Baiyer District Finance, Moroguina Rural Lockup in Central Province, Malalawa High School in Gulf, Finchafen District Administration and Gulf Province.
More than 500 people that witnessed the launching applauded Polye for the initiative saying that the project would liberate them after living in darkness for almost five decades.
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