Koroba people told to protect water sources amid El Niño impacts

The River Nakia in Koroba Lake Kopiago is one of the few remaining water sources in the district *(Image: NBC News)*

The Koroba Lake Kopiago District Development Authority [KLK DDA] is urging communities across the district to protect remaining water sources as severe El Niño conditions take hold, causing widespread water scarcity across the region.

DDA chief executive officer Stanley Kotange issued a critical warning to the people to safeguard local water sources against pollution.

With smaller creeks and local streams having completely dried up, community members are increasingly relying on major waterways, including the Tagali and Nakia rivers, as well as small lakes and marshland areas.

"During this extreme El Niño period, I strongly encourage people to fetch water using buckets and carry out their washing and laundry away from the primary source," Kotange said.

"Water must not be contaminated, as communities downstream and nearby rely on these exact same sources for survival. Water is becoming extremely scarce, and a food shortage will inevitably follow. We must preserve and manage whatever resources we currently have available."

The warning comes following a recent meeting convened by the Hela Provincial Disaster Committee. District Development Authorities across the province have been directed to immediately establish local District Disaster Committees, conduct widespread public awareness campaigns, and submit detailed reports outlining immediate emergency response plans.

Koroba Lake Kopiago DDA chief executive officer Stanley Kotange (middle) speaking to locals in the district last week *(Image: Supplied)*

Kotange confirmed that extensive public awareness campaigns are already underway across the district, carried out with operational support from the Koroba Police and members of Mobile Squad 22 [MS22].

In addition to water conservation, authorities are addressing public health hazards linked to the prolonged dry spell. Kotange urged the people to avoid loitering and gambling along roadsides, noting that heavy dust conditions pose serious respiratory health risks.

"People sitting idle along the roadsides need to stop and return to their homes or gardens," he said. "The roads are heavily coated in dust, creating a high risk of respiratory illness from airborne dust particles."

Concurrently, law enforcement is cracking down on harmful, non-sustainable harvesting practices. MS22 Commander Jonathan Lakaio issued a stern directive against the use of traditional fish-poisoning techniques, such as crushed tree trunks and toxic bark, in local waterways, warning that violators will face immediate arrest.

"Using traditional plant toxins will completely wipe out local aquatic life," Commander Lakaio warned. "This is a serious matter. We urge community leaders and ward councilors to spread this message so that our rivers remain clean and our fish populations are not exterminated."