State-Owned Enterprises are working collaboratively to restore essential services following disruptions caused by the developing Tropical Cyclone Maila in the Solomon Sea.
Engineers and crews from PNG Power and Water PNG are on the ground responding to widespread storm damage, particularly in East New Britain. Restoration efforts are ongoing as teams work to reconnect electricity and water services affected by strong winds and heavy rain.
Air Niugini is also working closely with the National Airports Corporation to restore airport operations impacted by adverse weather conditions, while continuously monitoring the evolving cyclone system.
Chief Executive Officers of the State-Owned Enterprises have confirmed through their respective boards, and to Kumul Consolidated Holdings, that recovery and restoration of critical services are actively underway.
Coordination with Provincial Administrations, Police, and other government agencies is supporting a rapid response to the storm and strengthening preparedness for other regions along the cyclone’s projected path.
Electricity Supply
PNG Power’s Chief Technical Officer, Tony Koiri said teams are currently on the ground reconnecting affected communities. He noted that despite hazardous conditions, staff are maintaining operations at critical infrastructure such as the Warangoi Dam while also repairing fallen power lines and clearing storm debris.
He emphasized that safety remains the top priority, urging the public to stay clear of fallen powerlines and allow crews to carry out their work safely.
Mr. Koiri explained that some areas will continue to experience extended outages due to damaged poles and lines, with restoration timelines depending on the severity of the damage. In locations where infrastructure remains intact, power is being progressively restored.
He added that where power lines have been brought down, repairs may take several days as new poles are installed once weather conditions improve. PNG Power teams are also assessing damage across impacted areas and pre-positioning resources in regions that may be affected by the cyclone in the coming days.
Water Supply
Water PNG Chief Executive Officer James Young confirmed that flooding at pumping facilities has led to temporary shutdowns, which are currently being addressed by response teams.
He said water supply in Rabaul and Kokopo has been disrupted due to damage at several facilities, with Rabaul experiencing more significant impacts, while only areas in Kokopo are affected.
Mr. Young stated that the interruption is expected to be short-term, with pumping facilities likely to resume operations within the next 24 hours as conditions improve.
He also warned that as the storm system moves south, areas such as Alotau and up the coast toward Port Moresby may face increased impacts.
He further noted that extreme weather can affect tap water quality and supply due to turbidity entering the system and potential pipe bursts caused by overflowing groundwater. Water PNG crews are monitoring vulnerable sites and remain on standby to respond to any further disruptions.
Mr. Young advised the public to prepare by storing clean drinking water in bottles or containers in case of interruptions to the water network.
Air Travel
Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer Alan Milne reassured the public that the airline is closely monitoring Tropical Cyclone Maila and other weather systems that may affect its operations.
He said that weather monitoring is a standard part of airline operations, and the current cyclone is being tracked continuously to assess any potential impacts on flight schedules.
Mr. Milne confirmed that Tokua Airport experienced a temporary closure on Sunday but operations were quickly restored through the efforts of the National Airports Corporation, highlighting its strong recovery capability.
He added that Air Niugini’s operational teams will continue to monitor the cyclone on an hourly basis and provide updates to the public on any changes affecting flight operations.
Further updates will be issued by State-Owned Enterprises and Kumul Consolidated Holdings as more information becomes available.
