No water supply ahead of the planned Water PNG schedule

Port Moresby residents are grappling with an unexpected water shortage in several key areas, including Waigani, Morata, and the 6-mile and 9-mile zones. The lack of running water began earlier this week, preceding the officially announced Water PNG maintenance schedule. Residents were forced to find alternative water sources for daily needs during the dry season, as no official public notice was issued regarding the mid-week supply interruption.

Water PNG CEO James Young acknowledged that the dry season impacts the Sirinumu Reservoir's water inflows, which supplies the capital. He explained that Water PNG and PNG Power Limited have established trigger points to protect drinking water supplies. Young stated that the planned partial shutdown and phased rationing for this weekend, August 14 to 16, are essential for critical repairs to a major pipeline leak.

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The deteriorated state of this essential water infrastructure is recognized across the government, and it is accepted that there is no other option but to replace the pipeline.

"The deteriorated state of this essential water infrastructure is recognized across the government, and it is accepted that there is no other option but to replace the pipeline," Young said. He emphasized that frequent repair interruptions are unsustainable and a new pipeline is required to serve the National Capital District and Central Province for decades. Further details on the shutdown and repairs will be provided.

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We cannot keep interrupting water supply to the city every few months for repairs; we must install a new pipeline that will serve NCD and Central Province for decades to come.