Dam water level still dropping

Sirinumu Dam water level continues to drop despite the rain experienced in Central Province after the long drought.

The water at the dam catchment area is the sole supplier of drinking water for the nation’s capital and parts of Central Province.

Its owner, PNG Power (PPL) also uses the water to generate hydro-electricity to supply its grid.

PPL announced that, “Sirinumu Dam catchment area has recorded only a little rainfall over the last week measuring only 40mm of rain.

“As of Monday December 21, the water level has gone down to 32 percent below spill level, which is 111 million cubic metres.”

It’s a drop by 2 percent from 34 million cubic metres as of a week ago.

The full capacity is 340 million cubic metres. 

“We are up the halfway mark but it is critical that we continue to manage our power and water usage,” stated the PPL notice.

PPL acting chief executive officer John Yanis said the dam needs continuous rain to see water level rise.

 “It depends on how long the rain will come, naturally when you look at the ground condition there is so much creaks in the ground and if the rain come in the first and second day you will not expect any fill up in the dam,” Yanis told Loop PNG in an earlier interview.

The electricity company is advising city residents to conserve power by turning of any lights, fans and electricity appliances not in use.

The dam is located in the Koiari LLG of the Kairuku- Hiri electorate.

Caption: File picture of Sirinumu dam taken early this month.

Author: 
Charles Yapumi