PLN manager for Timika area Salmon Karet said PLN and the Mimika district administration had reached an agreement on the plan to build the facility .
"The Mimika district administration and PLN have agreed to start work to build the power plant in the Paumako port area in early 2017," Salmon said here on Monday.
The Regent of Mimika Eltinus Omaleng already signed the principle license for the location of the project, he added.
Construction of the power plant would be made by phases. The first phase with a capacity of 10 MG would be designed to supply power for Timika.
"The remaining 40 MW would follow," he said.
He said the project is urgent and strategic to help accelerate economic development in Timika and surrounding areas.
Development , which is growing faster in Timika necessitates growing supply of power, especially as Timika would host and organize the 20th National Sport Week in Papua in 2020, he said.
"We will hold intensive talks with the Mimika district authorities on a number of issues like license , location, land clearing, etc. that implementation of the Timika power plant would be smooth," Salmon said.
Until now PLN of Timika still relies on diesel power generating plants to supply power for the district.
PLN subscribers in Timika total around 43,000 including in the regencies of Asmat and Nduga. Even the regency of Yahukimo would also be included in the coverage area of PLN of Timika area. .
Meanwhile, the district Energy and Mineral Resources Service had facilitated implementation of the project with location offered in the Paumako port area in the sub-district of Mimika Timur.
Head of the district energy and mineral resources service Dionisius Mameyau said PLN would provide compensation for the 11-hectare plot of land to be used for the project .
"PLN should immediately start the process of land clearing and pay compensation to the land owners. Socialization would be carried out this week," he said.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
