POM under water rationing as major pipeline undergoes critical repairs
Residents and businesses across Port Moresby will face scheduled water shutdowns and phased rationing starting Friday evening, August 14, to Sunday, August 16, 2026.
The temporary disruption will allow Water PNG to execute emergency repairs on a leaking section of a 65-year-old pipeline supplying water from the Rouna system.
The aging pipeline, originally laid in the 1960s, is in a fragile state and past its structural lifespan.
Water PNG chief executive officer James Young said an international engineering effort involving specialists from Papua New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Europe was activated when the leak was first identified to mitigate the risk of a complete system collapse.
"This collective effort has placed us in a more capable position with reduced risk of further bursts, and to have a shorter partial shutdown period than initially projected," Young said.
Local landowners from the Behori Clan have been engaged throughout the preparatory phase and will work at the site over the weekend to clear access roads, construct drainage channels, and assist technical teams.
"Across the Government, the deteriorated state of this essential water infrastructure is recognized, and it is accepted that there is no other option but to replace the pipeline," Young added. "We cannot keep interrupting water supply to the city every few months for repairs; we must install a new pipeline that will serve NCD and Central Province for decades to come."
Supply Schedule and Affected Areas
To maintain partial supply during the repair window, Water PNG has grouped the city into four supply zones:
- Zone 1: Gerehu [Stages 1–7], Rainbow, UPNG Main Campus, Ensisi Valley, Tokarara, June Valley, North Waigani, Waigani Heights, Hohola, and surrounding areas.
- Zone 2: Gordon Industrial, 5 & 6 Mile, Airport area, East Boroko, Korobosea, Taurama Barracks, Sabama, Joyce Bay, and Pari Village.
- Zone 3: 3 Mile, 4 Mile Boroko, Badili, Koki, Konedobu, Downtown / Town, Waterfront, Harbour City, Ela Beach, and Touaguba Hill.
- Zone 4: Bomana, Malolo Estate, 9 Mile / Laloki, Waigani Government Hub (Parliament, Courts), and parts of Gordons.
Rationing Timetable
| Day & Time | Zones Switched OFF | Zone Switched ON |
| Friday 7:00 PM – Saturday 3:00 AM | Zones 1, 2, & 3 | Zone 4 |
| Saturday 3:00 AM – Saturday 11:00 AM | Zones 2, 3, & 4 | Zone 1 |
| Saturday 11:00 AM – Saturday 7:00 PM | Zones 1, 3, & 4 | Zone 2 |
| Saturday 7:00 PM – Sunday 3:00 AM | Zones 1, 2, & 4 | Zone 3 |
| Sunday 3:00 AM – Sunday 11:00 AM | Zones 1, 2, & 3 | Zone 4 |
| Sunday 11:00 AM – Sunday 7:00 PM | Zones 2, 3, & 4 | Zone 1 |
Water PNG has urged consumers to run taps for at least five minutes to flush out any sediment or boil water prior to consumption once full service is restored to their areas.
For additional inquiries during the repair period, members of the public can contact the Water PNG toll-free hotline on 1801013 or email hotline@waterpng.com.pg.