By Theckla Gunga – EM TV News, Port Moresby
The increase in water borne diseases recorded at the Tokarara Clinic in Port Moresby is said to be linked to a low supply of water into the June Valley suburb.
At least 200 families in June Valley have been living without water for five days now.
This has resulted in children staying away from school and families going to bed without taking a proper shower.
The shortage in water supply into residential areas in Port Moresby and Lae cities is attributed to the increase in the rural to urban drift.
But what families in June Valley face is a bigger issue, as they claim it has been ongoing since the 1980s.
Anthony Benedict and his family have been living here for over a decade. For the Benedicts the storing of water is an important daily chore.
The Benedicts were preparing a welcome meal for a relative when EMTV News arrived at their house.
“The water has not come back for over three days,” Benedict said.
Tina Joe, Benedict’s wife and her aunt were using the little amount of water they collected last night to prepare the meal.
“It is a struggle because the water we fetched last night will be used to cook tonight’s dinner, and there isn’t enough to wash up,” she said.
About one kilometre away, some more families are doing the same, waiting for the water to return so they can cook or do laundry.
For these families, it is a sad situation because the water usually never comes.
Thus, families resort to fetching water from an underground water source.
John Russell, a community leader said the water issues date back to the 1980s.
“It is is becoming normal because the water pipes have become rusty and the water pressure is very low,” Russell said.
While Eda Ranu is yet to give an official response to the situation, families here will wake up tomorrow to face the same challenge.
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