Week-long power cut affecting Manus firms

MANUS businesses have been facing problems with the cut in power supply for more than a week, an official says.
Manus Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Sebastian Sapau said there had been little to no communication from PNG Power Limited, leaving residents in the dark over the issue.
He said the power cut had also affected the water supply into Lorengau, as the water pump was power-dependent.
Sapau said hotels were the worst affected, having to pay diesel for their generators, and paying vehicles to deliver water to them.
He said smaller businesses such as shops with no generators were forced to shut down.
Betty Pokapin, a small business owner who supplies fuel in town, said the situation was frustrating.
“We have three pumps for diesel, petrol and kerosene which (depend on electricity),” she said.
“The continuous power outages blew up our generator so we cannot do business.
“The loss in business is affecting the economy of our province.”
Accountant Clement Ndrawii said businesses were losing revenue.
“We are paying customers and PPL is failing us,” he said.
It is understood that the chamber was assured by the PNG Power management in Manus that supply should be restored in the next couple of days if things worked out with the headquarters in Port Moresby.