By Martha Louis – EMTV News, Madang
Kalibobo resident, Eugene Sumanop, owns a light-lane guest house along the Kalibobo Section, in Madang.
Mr. Sumanop needs the constant supply of water to sustain his business operation as well as his family.
For six weeks he has been using an underground storage tank to collect rainwater to use. But today he had used the last amount of water in the tank.
Since his tank has been emptied, Sumanop now fetches water from a dugout well to use for washing. While he fetches seawater to flush out waste from the lulls, he has to do this daunting task every day for both his family and guests who come to the inn.
Mr. Sumanop is one among many other Madang residents who have not been informed by the WaterPNG Management over the cause of the water problem faced for almost 6 weeks in Madang.
Madang Business Centre Manager, Patrick Jinimbo, advised EMTV in an email they had put in a smaller capacity pump to assist the other 2 pumps which are not pumping enough water.
WaterPNG Headquarters notified Madang residents that the major factors affecting water supply is due to the buildup of thick silt in the compartment of the water pumps.
This has reduced the water flow up to the treatment plant, this has resulted in the wear and tear of the water pump impellers affecting the provision of water and sewer services to residents.
Restoration of full services is in progress depending on the availability of parts and new pumps in stock.
Madang Business Centre Manager assures the Madang public that it should be completed shortly.
