Parliamentarians and the Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy debated Monday whether a proposed National Electricity Authority is necessary—or an invitation for more corruption.
Minister Suy Sem told the National Assembly the proposed authority would simply carry out policies set by his ministry. Suy Sem said the ministry would continue to be responsible for strategic thinking and organizing the government’s energy policies, while the authority would merely help administer those policies.
“The Electrical Authority would not be allowed to set the price or do anything’’ other than follow policy, he said. “The main planning will be done by the ministry.’’ He noted 43 other countries have such electrical authorities.
CPP members generally supported the proposal, with Parliamentarian Cheam Yeap saying the authority is needed and that it would be impossible for it to become corrupt.
But Sam Rainsy Party lawmaker Son Chhay said problems associated with the country’s three existing authorities—Apsara, Civil Aviation and Petroleum—don’t inspire confidence.
“I am worried [existing authority management] is anarchic and they are acting badly,’’ he said. He claimed a bureaucratic structure separate of the ministry might simply add more opportunities for corruption.
Fellow opposition party member Cheam Channy said if an authority was approved, “they would walk in the wrong way.’’
Funcinpec Assembly member So Chi was even more blunt, denouncing the proposed authority as an invitation for thievery.
The utility issue has assumed importance in recent months following scandals at the trouble-plagued Electricite du Cambodge, where distributors are accused of illegally siphoning off power, and government officials and agencies have run up huge bills.
Prime Minister Hun Sen, the Asian Development Bank and World Bank have all urged reforms in the pricing of electricity, suggesting higher prices for heavy residential users and lower rates for businesses.
By Thet Sambath
the cambodia daily
Parliamentarians and the Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy debated Monday whether a proposed National Electricity Authority is necessary—or an invitation for more corruption.
Minister Suy Sem told the National Assembly that the proposed authority would simply carry out policies set by his ministry. Suy Sem said the ministry would continue to be responsible for strategic thinking and organizing the government’s energy policies, while the authority would merely help administer those policies.
“The Electrical Authority would not be allowed to set the price or do anything’’ other than follow policy, he said. ‘’The main planning will be done by the ministry.’’ He noted that 43 other countries have such electrical authorities.
CPP members generally supported the proposal, with Parliamentarian Cheam Yeap saying the authority is needed and that it would be impossible for it to become corrupt.
But Sam Rainsy Party lawmaker Son Chhay said problems associated with the country’s three existing authorities—Apsara, Civil Aviation and Petroleum—don’t inspire confidence.
‘’I am worried [existing authority management] is anarchic and they are acting badly,’’ he said. He claimed a bureaucratic structure separate of the ministry might simply add more opportunities for corruption.
Fellow opposition party member Cheam Channy said that if an electrical authority was approved, “they would walk in the wrong way.’’
Funcinpec Assembly member So Chi was even more blunt, denouncing the proposed authority as an invitation for thievery.
The utility issue has assumed importance in recent months following scandals at the trouble-plagued Electricite du Cambodge, where distributors are accused of illegally siphoning off power, and government officials and agencies have run up huge bills. Three former EdC officials are currently the subject of criminal investigations.
Prime Minister Hun Sen, the Asian Development Bank and World Bank have all urged reforms in the pricing of electricity, suggesting higher prices for heavy residential users and lower rates for businesses.
