Landowners support Highlands PNG Power 132 kV Transmission Line Project

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The new 132kV transmission line that will connect three (3) Highlands provinces (Hela, Southern Highlands & Western Highlands) is set to begin after landowners and PNG Power signed two Memorandum of Agreements (MOAs) last week to construct substations in Mendi and Tari.

The project will include the construction of four (4) 132/66/22kV substations in Mt Hagen (Keltiga), Pauanda (Kaupena), Mendi (Tindimi) and Tari (Wabia), and 189 kilometers of 132kV transmission lines.

In July 2018, PNG Power signed the first two (2) MOAs with landowners of Kaupena and Keltiga and construction work commenced in August 2018 for these two substations.

Landowners of Kawe-Tombela Village in Tari, and those of Kumin Village near Mendi Town have also agreed to have the other two (2) new substations built on their land, when they signed the MOAs in Tari and Mendi on 07th and 08th February, 2019.

Tari Kawe-Tobela landowner Chairman Ps. Andrew Tumbi said they realised the need for electricity service in the Highlands region, and were happy to give their resources for this power project.

“This project must go ahead and we are ready to work together with PNG Power for the construction of this substation. We will provide the necessary security and resources during the construction,” he said.

General Manager for TeBian Electrical Apparatus Stock Co. Ltd (TBEA), Mr Xiao Zhi said this project signifies the friendship between TBEA, PNG Power, landowners, and the PNG and Chinese governments.

“Without landowners’ help, we would not have come this far and sign these agreements. Our team will begin work and we will need continuous support from landowners. Together with PNG Power, we will deliver this as one of the best hi-tech electricity project,” he said.

This 132kV transmission line will be the second of its kind in the country. It will cover 189km from Mt Hagen to Mendi and Tari.

Project Manager Mr Richard Minala said the landowners of the substation sites have pledged to give their full support to complete the project on time. Following the signing of the two MOAs last week in Tari and Mendi, civil works will commence immediately.

“We will construct 448 transmission towers between Mt Hagen to Mendi and Tari. This project is located in high volatile areas but I urge the landowners to take ownership and responsibility of this project. If there is any issues, there is proper avenues to resolve the matter,” he said.