Port Moresby’s daily water supply could fall from 180million litres during emergency repairs to the Rouna 1/3 raw water pipeline, Water PNG has confirmed.
Chief Executive officer James Young says this is not a total shutdown of the city’s water supply, despite claims circulating on social media. “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 said.
CEO – WATER PNG
Water PNG confirms preparatory work has started on the most critically damaged section of the Rouna 1/3 pipeline. During repairs, raw water will continue to flow into the Mt. Eriama Water Treatment Plant through the Rouna 4 pipeline before distribution to the city.
Engineers are replacing air release valves along the pipeline corridor to reduce the period of partial shutdown. No dates have been set for the works.
“It also has to be made clear that no dates have been set for repairs, with preparations underway that will reduce the period of partial shutdown to a minimum,” Mr. Young said.
Once repair dates are confirmed, Water PNG will run ‘significant advanced awareness’ campaigns with water rationing schedules and regular updates. Other interconnections are being developed to increase supply during the works.
Mr. Young stressed that replacement of pipe sections is essential and that the entire 13.5 kilometers of the Rouna 1/3 pipeline will eventually need to be replaced.
The CEO urged residents and businesses to follow formal channels for updates, saying misinformation online had caused public concern.
“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,” he said.
