Remote Pale village in SHP lights up with PNG power

PNG power electrician working on the transformer at Pale village *(Supplied)*

The remote Pale village of Kewabi LLG within the Ialibu/Pangia district in Southern highlands province has finally lit up by PNG power supply on Thursday afternoon.

Under the Rural Electrification Program, Southern Highlands Provincial Government (SHPG, PNG Power based in Ialibu, Project manager, Kessy Nape inspected and approved the rural electrification project and switched on the power source for the first time in the small community.

Community leader, Siro Yoko thanked governor William Powi for making funds available.

"Although power already reached the main center of Pale village, a three phase power supply must completely reach out to areas of Kuni, Yokere, Rala and Kambi which makes up the whole Pale community within the two council wards of Pale One and Two.

“This extension work will need extra funding which he appealed for support to Governor Powi, Ialibu/Pangia District Development Authority and others to support.” Yoko said.

Kewabi LLG president, Francis Walipe thanked governor Powi and asked the community to embrace the service delivery and look after the power project.

Ialibu PNG Power office Manager, Mr. Jim Kewa appealed to the community to look after the power, follow safety protocols and started coming to office for power connectivity into their homes.

Streetlight on the roadside at Pale village *(Supplied)*

He further warned the community of illegal power connections as laws are there to prosecute anyone and encouraged them to pay bills faithfully.

Governor William Powi committed a K5 million for this vital power project from Yarena to Pale villages for almost fifteen (15) kilometers of road distance. The actual funding was made in 2024 which a private eletrical contractor, Tagali Construction Company was engaged into Pale community.