Water PNG assures there will be no total water shutdown in Port Moresby

Water PNG Limited says there will not be a total shutdown of Port Moresby’s water supply during planned repairs to the Rouna 1/3 raw water pipeline, despite a letter circulating on social media claiming otherwise.

The state utility company also assured residents and businesses that the public will be fully informed ahead of any planned interruption to water supply, with repair dates yet to be determined.

Water PNG Limited Chief Executive Officer James Young said preparatory work is already underway to repair the most critically damaged section of the pipeline.

“There is no doubt that this is a serious situation with a significant reduction in the water supply that will require rationing, but it is not a total shutdown,” Mr Young reiterated.

“Measures will be in place to continue raw water flow into the Mt Eriama Water Treatment Plant through the Rouna 4 pipeline, that will then follow the normal network into the city.

“To put this into perspective, currently around 180 million litres of water is consumed each day in Port Moresby, when repairs begin that supply will be reduced to around 80 million litres per day as a worst-case scenario.

“Other interconnections and options are being developed to increase the supply of available during the repairs.

“It also has to be made clear that no dates have been set for repairs, with preparations underway that will reduce the period of the partial shutdown to a minimum.

“Water PNG engineers are continuing with preparations including the replacement of air release valves along the pipeline corridor ahead of the actual repair.

“When all elements are ready, significant advanced awareness will be conducted, including dates and information on water ratioing, and this will be constantly updated.

“The public will be fully informed by Water PNG, as part of a whole-of-government response to these repairs, as information comes to hand.

“It is essential that repairs are undertaken as soon as is practical, also that replacement pipe sections are installed and eventually the entire 13.5 kilometres of the Rouna 1/3 pipeline is replaced.

“Misinformation online has caused some concern with the public so we must be very clear, and I urge communities and businesses to take note of information that is provided through formal channels.”