Local villagers in wards 2 and 3 of Ambenob LLG of Madang District have shut down water supply going into the town vicinity at 7 O’Clock last night affecting 3000 WaterPNG customers.
Community Leader, Henry Makul, says this action was taken after a man was allegedly attacked and killed yesterday along the Furan to Painim Road.
Makul says the man was travelling in a PMV when armed criminals held up the vehicle and attacked the man resulting in his death.
The community leaders said they shut down the water after numerous attempts were made since 2013 for authorities to address the continuous lawlessness in the area.
This morning, community leaders from wards 2 and 3 met with the Acting Provincial Administrator, John Bivi, police, WaterPNG Manager and other concerned authorities.
The meeting was held at the provincial government building for the provincial administration to address concerns raised by the community leaders affected.
Community leaders say last year, a peaceful march was held to address the daily occurrences of armed holdups along the Furan to Painim Road.
They say the total negligence from responsible authorities has resulted in yesterday’s incident.
Acting Provincial Administrator, John Bivi, accepted the landowners’ petitions and grievances, and will have a response tomorrow.
Director of Policy Planning and Monitoring Unit in Madang, Simon Simoi, says they had budgeted money to fix the road.
Meanwhile, Madang residents will have no water until the provincial administration and other responsible authorities address their demands presented in the petition.
