Governor General Thanks Department of Works & Highways for Power Generator

H.E. Grand Chief Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae, GCL, GCMG, KStJ, Governor General of Papua New Guinea, has thanked the Department of Works and Highways for the installation of a brand-new power generator set at Government House.

At a brief but significant presentation ceremony yesterday afternoon, Grand Chief Sir Bob acknowledged the presentation of the power generator as an essential asset to the Office of the Governor General in the execution of its daily operations and duties of the State.

Grand Chief Sir Bob said, the continuous power outages experienced in the city has sometimes resulted in delays and cancellation of important State and ceremonial events. 

Grand Chief Sir Bob related that one such occasion involved the signing of an important road construction project between the State, Department of Works and Highways and an international construction company, which had to be delayed due to an unscheduled power outage by PNG Power at the time. 

Works and Highways Department Secretary David Wereh was present at the signing ceremony then and made an undertaking for his Department to provide a power generator to Government House.

Acting Official Secretary Mr. Bill Toraso said, soon after Secretary Wereh made the undertaking, a brand new (CAT) diesel power generator was brought in and successfully installed by JV PNG Construction Limited at Government House.

“Power outages at Government House should now be a thing of the past. Thanks to the new generator, Government House can now carry out its duties to the State and operate without being inconvenienced by the constant power blackouts. I wish to thank the Secretary (David Wereh) for recognizing our need for a power generator and for responding swiftly as he did,” Grand Chief Sir Bob said.

Meantime, Minister of Works and Highways Hon. Solan Mirisim has made an undertaking for his Department to look into renovation and construction of a new State House to replace the existing building which has been in existence since 1913 during colonial administration. 

“The Department (Works & Highways) is now taking on the responsibility for construction and renovation of State assets and buildings. I can see there is a need for further extension and a new office to cater for the important signing ceremonies that take place here. I will take this up with my Department and Secretary to look into this further,” Minister Mirisim said.

Minister Mirisim and the Governor General marked the event with a ribbon cutting ceremony signifying the official presentation of the new power generator from the Department of Works and Highways to Government House.