By Johnny Blades, RNZ Pacific bulletin editor
The New Zealand government says it hopes an electrification aid project that was halted in Papua New Guinea can still be completed if security improves.
Work on the Enga Electrification Project in PNG’s Enga province has stopped due to ongoing violence around the project area in Tsak Valley.
New Zealand spent NZ$6.7 million over the last six years on the project which aimed to connect at least 4000 households to electricity.
It was part of combined efforts with the US, Australia and Japan to help 70 percent of PNG homes get connected by 2030, as agreed to in 208 when PNG hosted the APEC Leaders Summit.
However, contractors had to be withdrawn from the area after a surge in tribal fighting in August last year, according to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
“Ending New Zealand’s involvement is a disappointing outcome, particularly given New Zealand’s longstanding and extensive efforts to deliver energy infrastructure in Enga Province,” the spokesperson said.
“New Zealand is working on a transition plan with partners in Papua New Guinea. It is hoped this will allow for the successful completion of the project if security improves.”
Northern lines installed
The ministry said 13.5 KM of distribution lines in the North of the project area were largely installed but were yet to be commissioned or connected to houses.
It said 12km of distribution lines in the south of the project area remained at various stages of construction.
Meanwhile, PNG’s Foreign Minster Justin Tkatchenko told local media that New Zealand would hand over equipment from the project to PNG Power Limited, a state-owned entity.
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
This content originally appeared on Asia Pacific Report and was authored by APR editor.
APR editor | Radio Free (2026-02-03T18:58:52+00:00) New Zealand holds out hope for halted PNG electrification aid project. Retrieved from https://www.radiofree.org/2026/02/03/new-zealand-holds-out-hope-for-halted-png-electrification-aid-project/
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