Australian High Commission
Papua New Guinea

Off-grid electrification project launched in West New Britain

The Papua New Guinea-Australia Partnership’s focus on supporting development in rural and remote parts of Papua New Guinea was demonstrated during a recent visit to West New Britain by Australia’s High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Bruce Davis and Minister for State Owned Enterprises Sasindran Muthuvel.

During the visit to West New Britain, High Commissioner Davis, Governor of West New Britain Francis Maneke, and Minister for State Owned Enterprises Sasindran Muthuvel, signed a Memorandum of Understanding committing to deliver off-grid electrification projects to benefit more than 15,000 people in remote parts of the Province. The projects will provide access to clean energy for households, schools and clinics, that otherwise would not have access to regular power sources.

From (L-R) West New Britain Governor Francis Maneke, Australian High Commissioner Bruce Davis and Minister for State Owned Enterprises Sasindran Muthuvel after signing the MoU for the off-grid electrification project.

These new projects will be delivered through Pawarim Komuniti – a new Off-Grid Electrification Program funded by the PNG-Australia Partnership.  The Pawarim Komuniti program is part of Australia’s commitment to support energy access under the PNG Electrification Partnership. The total commitment is for 5 million kina which includes a co-funding contribution of 1 million kina through Provincial Services Improvement Program funds by Minister Muthuvel.

The announcement and Memorandum of Understanding signing took place at the Barefoot College established by Minister Muthuvel to support local women with limited formal education to develop skills including on solar power engineering.

Another highlight of the visit was the trip to the Caritas Girls Secondary School when Minister Muthuvel provided a cheque for 250,000 kina from Provincial Services Improvement Program funds to support the school’s good work.

For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0276