For over 5 years, Kimbe Town has been surviving on rationed water supply and to date, the scenario of this serious water shortage is rapidly declining as efforts to get help remain unsuccessful.
The town is on the verge of having no water.
According to Water PNG in Kimbe, the cause of water shortage is due to only three out of a total of seven well bores that are currently operational as the other four were condemned due to contamination and iron bacteria.
The town can hardly survive on three well bores and the problem is worsening by the day with supply capacity drastically dropping by 20 percent per day.
Water has been rationed for the last 5 years from 6am-7am and 6pm-7pm, giving only 1 hr in the morning and 1hr in the evening, thus greatly affecting students, working class population, business houses and the general town population.
Kimbe hosts the third busiest international port in the country where international vessels refill their water supply. This is causing additional stress to the water shortage.
Recent reports from Water PNG head office confirm that they have awarded a well contract to a company in Port Moresby, who are yet to go into the Province to commence work.
Governor Sasindran Muthuvel is calling on Water PNG to fast track the process and rectify this long overdue matter.
The Provincial Government stands ready to give counterpart funding support through PSIP to Water PNG for a proper feasibility study for Kimbe water supply and sewerage system.
(Kimbe Town filepic)