By: Geraldine Kalabai – EMTV Online, Port Moresby
Eda Ranu today received initial payment of K500,000 for water project to be carried out in the Moresby North West Electorate.
Presenting the cheque to Eda Ranu Chief operating Officer was member for Moresby North West Michael Malabag.
This occasion meant that residents in 6 suburbs in Moresby North-West will soon have access to running water. Garden Hills settlement, Mosquito street in Morata 4 and Gerehu stage 7 were identified as high priority areas and work on these suburbs will commence immediately.
“The total cost of the project is K2.3 million and the balance will be paid in the next two weeks,” stated Malabag.
The water project will include networking of pipes meaning that Eda Ranu will lay pipes from the main water source into the suburbs and taps will be installed depending on the number of people in living in the area.
“We are happy that MP for Moresby North-West has stepped forward to help us address some of our water issues. The people also have to make it their responsibility to pay their water bills. It is about working together.” These were the remarks made by Chief Operating Officer for Eda Ranu Dr Fifaia Matainaho upon receiving the cheque.
Eda Ranu has confirmed that they are disconnecting water supply to homes with outstanding bills. “This is an ongoing practice and we are encouraging the public to avoid this situation by paying your water bills,” stated Matainaho.
“Water is an essential for human beings to survive, we can go without electricity but we cannot go without water,” he added
Adding to that Eda Ranu declined to comment on the current situation with the Land Owners of Sirinumu Dam. They have stated that the root course of the issue is deteriorating roads and different parties come into play.
Offering some reassurance for Port Moresby city residents, Eda Ranu said they have emergency backup sources for water, if the issue worsens.
