New chairman warns of self-destruction

Caption:  Larry Andagali addressing management and staff

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, April 6, 2014 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

NEWLY appointed Chairman for the PNG Power Board Larry Andagali cautioned the staff body and management of the prolonged conflict that has put the only electricity provider in the on the verge of destruction.

He made the comments when meeting with staff and management in the nations’ capital last week in light of the nationwide shutdown that took place on Wednesday, April 2.

“I am not the kind of person that sits on issues by saying that I will look into it- I will give you an answer if we can do it within our means, because there is no such thing as unlimited money,” Andagali said.

“Everything we do has a limit, if we can do it within our means then you will get the answer yes, if we cannot then you will get a no answer.”

“If we keep pushing on issues, there is a thing called self-destruction, and I do not want PNG Power to self-destruct itself.”

He added that his goal as the new chairman was to stabilize what he said was a very important organisation- one he added had the potential to be a billion dollar company.

“You are the only monopoly and this is your home, ‘em garden blo you’ (this is your garden),” he said.

“You all are sitting on a billion dollar potential, as well as revenue and assets.”

He made reference to the loss of revenue the company had in 2013 from a striking contrast to the year 2012.

“I want you guys to find out where the leakage is, I want all the employees to find out where the leakage is.”

“Money cannot disappear and evaporate into thin air- something is happening somewhere.”

“From a K50 million profit (2012) to a K50 million (2013) loss- how can that be, I do not want to come in as a chairman of an insolvent company.”

He added that he was not appointed to play politics, but was appointed to run the company, which was what he intended to do when he announced that he had met with Bank South Pacific who he said were committed to support the organisation.

The chairman reaffirmed to the applause of the workers that there was not to be anymore interference from directors on the board now that he was appointed as its head.

In making reference to the nationwide shutdown that occurred last week- he compared the action to one that was historical in getting their grievances heard, however, also it being equivalent to a national security threat.

“When that happens, different state agencies will have to step in and take charge and control and we may end up having our company in the wrong hands, so let’s make that the first and the last,” he appealed.

He promised to work with them using the approaches that has been successful with his company, Trans Wonder World Limited a very successful landholding company that represents landowner groups in three Highlands provinces, which he is the current managing director of.

Swearing in of the new board members and chairman will take place tomorrow.