PM O'Neill warns Power Workers in major cities

The Prime Minister Peter O'Neill , has warned PNG Power management and Unions that constant power outages in Port Moresby and Lae should not be happening, because there is more than enough power available to meet the demands in these cities.
Peter O'Neill says the constant bickering between unions and management has resulted in some union members deliberately cutting the power supply.
He says, these actions are a criminal offence.
Mr. O'Neill says, the Chairman of PNG Power will invoke the Essential Services Act that will enable people who deliberately disrupt the power supply to face criminal charges.
Mr O'Neill has also directed the Chief Secretary to Government, to convene the National Security Advisory Committee, where the issue of power outages will be treated as a security matter.
In Port Moresby, there is an additional 25-Mega Watt of power coming from the PNG LNG power plant, and a further 50-Mega Watt will be connected in the future.
Mr. O'Neill says, this will give enough power supply to meet demand for the next ten to fifteen years.
Meantime, Mr. O'Neill is calling on the Police Commissioner, to establish an investigation team into the vandalism of telecommunication cables around the country.
He says those responsible must face the law.
He's also warned that individuals involved in inspiring vandals to sabotage communication cables must also face prosecution.
He says, he cannot understand why people would be involved in acts of vandalism in the modern world, causing difficulty to so many people, and affecting businesses from functioning properly.
Mr. O'Neill says, telecommunications is an essential service in the modern world, and people who deliberately sabotage line will be subjected to serious punishment.
Mr. O'Neill is also calling on people with information on vandalism of telecommunication cables, to report what they know to the police. NBC