Baisu prison running out of water

The only Southern Cross for the Baisu CS Prison Camp is almost empty, prompting the residents at Baisu to fetch water from the nearby creek, which is contaminated and drying up. (NBC News)

Baisu Correctional Institution in Western Highlands Province is facing a serious water shortage, with the PNG Correctional Service warning that inmates could be transferred if the dry spell continues

Baisu Gaol Commander, Superintendent Jim Kaming, says the institution has been without a reliable water supply for the past two to three months as the drought continues to deplete water sources.

"For the last two to three months, we have not had a proper flow of water into the Correctional Institution. The creek we depend on has now dried up, and our Southern Cross water reserve is almost empty," Superintendent Kaming said.

He added the institution's main water pipeline has also been affected because nearby communities have made illegal water connections, reducing the amount of water reaching the prison.

"People have illegally connected to our water pipeline, and that has reduced the water flow into the compound. It has made an already difficult situation even worse," he said.

With nearly 1,000 people living inside the institution, including inmates, Correctional Service officers and their families, Superintendent Kaming says water has become one of their biggest challenges.

The remaining water is now being carefully rationed. A small water tank outside the commander's residence is being used only for cooking, while officers and inmates are following a strict water-saving rotation.

"We are doing everything we can to save the little water we have left. Every drop is important at this stage," Kaming said.

Superintendent Kaming said he has asked Water PNG in Mt Hagen to deliver water to the institution.

However, the water tanker from the Department of Works and Highways is currently being used to support operations at Kagamuga Airport.

The creek used as a backup water source for the Baisu Correctional Service compound has dried up due to the prolonged dry weather. The remaining water is also contaminated with debris. (NBC News)

Kaming said Water PNG is expected to begin supplying water once the vehicle becomes available, but, warned that water deliveries will only provide temporary relief.

"If this dry spell continues for another month or so, we may have no choice but to transfer inmates to other Correctional Service institutions because we cannot operate without water," Superintendent Kaming warned.

He also said the serious water situation has already been reported to Correctional Service Headquarters in Port Moresby, and the CS hierarchy is aware of the crisis and is working on measures to address it.