Public enterprises are government-owned entities that are created by a statute or law, hence the term "statutory corporations." These corporations are a specific type of public enterprise that are established and regulated by specific legislation. They are created to provide essential goods and services to the public, and their primary objective is usually to serve the public interest rather than generate profits.

Here are the key points explaining why statutory corporations are considered public enterprises:

1. Government Ownership:
- Statutory corporations are wholly or partially owned by the government.
- The government usually holds a majority stake in these corporations, either directly or through a government agency.
- This ownership gives the government control over their operations and allows them to influence their strategic decisions.

2. Legal Framework:
- Statutory corporations are established through specific legislation or statutes enacted by the government.
- The legislation sets out the purpose, powers, governance structure, and operating frameworks for these corporations.
- They are subject to the provisions outlined in the legislation and must comply with the legal requirements applicable to them.

3. Public Service Mandate:
- Statutory corporations are generally created to provide essential goods and services to the public.
- Their primary objective is to serve the public interest by fulfilling specific public service mandates, such as providing electricity, water, transportation, healthcare, or education.
- They are often responsible for delivering services that are considered vital for the welfare and development of society.

4. Government Control and Accountability:
- As public enterprises, statutory corporations are subject to government control and oversight.
- The government appoints the board of directors or governing body of these corporations, and they are accountable to the government for their performance and adherence to public policies.
- They are also subject to government regulations, audits, and reporting requirements to ensure transparency and accountability in their operations.

In conclusion, statutory corporations are public enterprises because they are government-owned entities established by specific legislation to provide essential goods and services to the public. They operate under government control, are accountable to the government, and serve the public interest.