PNG Electrification Push Falters as Enga Violence Stops NZ-Backed Project

An ambitious effort to extend electricity to rural communities in PNG has been derailed after violence in Enga Province forced the suspension of a New Zealand-supported power project.

According to Radio New Zealand, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed that work on the Enga Electrification Project had stopped following continued unrest around the construction area.

 PNG Electrification Push Falters as Enga Violence Stops NZ-Backed Project

The project was expected to connect more than 4,000 households and formed part of a multi-nation partnership launched in 2018 when PNG hosted the APEC Leaders Summit. New Zealand’s contribution totalled $6.7 million over six years.

Experts say the choice of Enga presented serious challenges from the outset, with rugged terrain compounded by long-standing tribal disputes and election-related violence.

Dr Terence Wood of the Development Policy Centre said electrification projects require not only infrastructure but strong governance systems to ensure long-term operation.

“With work such as electricity, it’s one thing to build it, you also need a functioning government to maintain it,” he said.

Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas acknowledged that rising tribal conflicts and the spread of illegal firearms had worsened the situation but stressed that foreigners were not being targeted.

“Now the guns are only used for tribal fights. Nobody outside the tribes that are involved are in any danger in our context as Engans, because you only fight your enemy. That’s the rule from our tradition.”