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Palau President Tommy Remengesau Jr. has signed a legislation merging the Palau Public Utilities Corporation (PPUC) and the Palau Water and Sewer Corporation into one state owned enterprise.
On June 6, the President signed the Utilities Consolidation Act before members of the Senate, the House of Delegates, traditional leaders and State Governors at the Palasia Hotel.
The newly merged corporation will be known as the Palau Public Utilities Corporation. According to the President’s office, the legislation would provide cost-savings through a number of consolidated services such shared customer service staff, meter reading and billing preparation, and a single billing document.
The President expressed that in signing the bill, the Republic will takes significant step towards reforming its public utilities.
With the signing of the bill, Palau will be able to receive the second portion of the $16 million dollar Asia Development Bank (ADB) loan.
The new law will become effective through executive order by the President. However, the President can order certain provisions of the act to take effect at different times.
In addition to the Utilities Consolidation Act, the President also signed the 2013 fiscal year budget and the tobacco legislation into law.