By Eric Haurupma – EMTV News, Port Moresby
Residents of the ATS settlement on the outskirts of Port Moresby are still unable to source a safe and reliable supply of drinking water.
Alois Esa, a longtime resident, says they have to walk more than two kilometres at present to source water, using water bottles and containers to carry it back to their homes.
Esa and his community are appealing to National Capital District Governor, Powes Parkop, and North East MP, Labi Amaiu, to solve their water problems.
The 38-year-old Esa is a public servant who has been living with his family at portion 266.
Locally known as Hill Side Community, this sits between the ATS ridge and has a population of at least 500 people, most of whom are public servants.
Over the years, they have been faced with the problem of sourcing a good supply of drinking water.
Speaking on behalf of these residents Esa said every day they have to walk to source water.
This has prompted them to salvage the idea of bringing water to their doorstep for cooking, drinking, washing and recreational purposes, instead looking to address the issue and instead bring the water to them.
A committee will look into funding of K400,000 they claimed was donated by Amaiu for a water project.
They said the cause of the delay in receiving the funding is because contractor’s licences to carry out work have been expired.
Meanwhile, they are querying how long it will take for this problem to be fixed and in the meantime are appealing for immediate intervention.
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