The financial books of all State-owned companies look good compared to three years ago, says Ben Micah.
Micah who was the former minister responsible for State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) made the remarks at the official handover ceremony for the Ministry of Public Enterprises and State Investments today in Port Moresby.
The Member for Kavieng will now head the Ministry for Petroleum and Energy.
William Duma, the former transport and infrastructure minister now takes charge of all government owned companies under his new portfolio.
The 11 SOEs are Air Niugini, PNG Power, Telikom PNG, PNG Ports Corporation, Post PNG, Water PNG, Bmobile, Eda Ranu, National Development Bank, Motor Vehicle Insurance Limited and DataCo.
Micah said when he was appointed to the ministry in 2012 there was no policy in place to guide the operation of all the SOEs.
“I was surprised to see the state of all SOE.
“They were all very sick babies and could have done better if were given the support.
“Now we have no more sick babies, but strong companies.
The former minister challenged the new minister to maintain the SOE boards and management to continue in its growth.
Duma said all SOE board and management will see no changes because the 2017 National Election is around the corner.