Energy Minister Peter N. Isoaimo has welcomed the completion of the 132kV Ramu Transmission System Reinforcement Project in Lae, officially launched by Prime Minister James Marape on Friday, 9 October 2026.

The project is designed to improve the reliability of electricity supply to Lae by adding a second transmission circuit alongside the existing Ramu–Lae line. It comprises approximately 137 kilometres of double-circuit line supported by more than 300 towers, running from Singsing in the Markham Valley through Erap to Taraka. The works also include new substations at Singsing and Erap, and rehabilitation of the Taraka substation and Ramu I switchyard.

“This project gives Lae a more secure electricity supply. If one line is interrupted, the other can keep power flowing to homes, hospitals, businesses, factories and the port,” Minister Isoaimo said.

The Minister thanked the Government and people of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for their partnership. He also acknowledged the Marape–Rosso Government for continuing to fund the project after the JICA loan period ended in 2023, enabling its completion and technical commissioning.

Minister Isoaimo recognized the landowners and communities along the transmission corridor and congratulated PNG Power, the engineers, contractors and local workforce involved in delivering the project.

He said the project would support reliable electricity, energy independence, and economic growth. He also called for the new infrastructure to be properly maintained and for electricity connections to be extended to more people.

The launch was attended by Prime Minister Marape, International Trade Minister Richard Maru, National Planning Minister Sir Ano Pala, Minister Isoaimo and Morobe provincial leaders.