Hydro power, glass factory set for Oro

By SIMON ERORO

A GLASS factory is being proposed in the Oro Province after the Divune hydro electric scheme is completed and is fully operational.
A visit last week by the Czech ambassador to Papua New Guinea Dr Jan Fury and consul general Robert Wong to the proposed project sites in Waju cemented the understanding between the Czech Republic and Oro Province.
Dr Fury said the Czech Republic was well known throughout the world for its skills in designs and constructions in technologies, hydro power technologies (huge plants and also small scale hydro projects suitable for rural areas.
Dr Fury said his country was also known for its technology and equipment for glass factories, food production technologies and equipment and solidarity on these projects should ensure early success.
He said the relationship between the Czech Republic and the Oro Provincial Government must be maintained and enhanced, especially the interest shown by the province in inviting the Czech Republic to develop the two proposed projects.
“In this way, the two projects, the Divune hydro scheme and the proposed glass factory can materialise,” Dr Fury said.
The Vice-Minister for Public Service and Member for Sohe Anthony Nene said the Divune hydro project was a viable business venture that would meet its own operational costs.
Mr Nene said the glass factory project was dependent on the hydro power project.
“It must first be constructed and start supplying the rapidly growing permanent market in the National Capital District of power and water before the second project starts,” he said.
Mr Nene said the project would need several governments to interact to develop a realistic ap-proach.
“The hydro project is self sustaining and the borrowings can be repaid by the permanent income to be received for electricity and water, both are renewable, not just by name, by the users and residents in NCD and the rural people in Central Province, even Milne Bay and Lae,” Mr Nene said. He added that the expansion of commerce and business in the province had been restricted by the cost of electricity.
The proposed hydro project would boost economic development and also provide employment opportunities, he said.