Samuel Wingu

Sheer negligence has resulted in the damage of water pipes worth K12 million, says Daru Island Town Mayor, Samuel Wingu.

Wingu states the Island receives water from the mainland through pipes connected beneath the sea.

However, after years of exposure to climate change and the oceanic’s acidic levels, the pipes are damaged beyond repair.

Wingu further explained there were plans to repair the Island’s water supply system by the PNG Sustainable Development Program Limited however, these K12 million pipes went up in flames.

The deteriorating state of the island in Western Province is blamed on the lack of political will, as Town Mayor Samuel Wingu pointed out.

Daru Island has a population of about 20,000 people while the island itself is as big as a suburb from Port Moresby or Lae City.

One would think that given its size, including being part of the few Torres Strait Islands, Daru and its people would be well off.

Sadly, this is not the case.