River Runs Dry, Hundreds of Locals Affected

By Sharlyne Eri – EMTV News, Lae

A river in Situm, outside of Lae City in Morobe Province has run dry affecting over hundreds of locals. The Bualu River has been dry for almost three months now despite some amount of rain in the province.

Locals are currently digging along the banks of the river to get clean water for cooking and drinking. What was once a flowing river is now a rocky footpath. The river has partially dried up leaving only little ponds, which unfortunately are also running dry.

People are currently drinking and cooking with water from dug up holes. Limited access to clean water remains their biggest concern. The River is the only source of water supply to four communities in the area.

Locals say the river usually dries up during the dry weather, however, this has been the longest wait. The only closest water source that this community can resort to is the Busu River; otherwise, the only other option for the locals now is to wait for the rain.