By HARLYNE JOKU
NORTH Waigani Hostel tenants, who have been using untreated bore water from the fire hydrant since last Nov 29 for washing and cooking, are now using clean piped water.
Eda Ranu reconnected the water on Tuesday.
Water to the hostel was disconnected by Eda Ranu due to non-payment of an outstanding water bill amounting to K84,000.
National Housing Corporation (NHC) had informed tenants that rentals collected was not enough to pay the K30,000 to K40,000 monthly water bills it regularly incurred.
The tenants have recommended to the hostel committee to pursue a number of issues with NHC as a proactive approach to addressing future water disruptions and reducing the monthly water bills.
Issuses raised were:
*That NHC conduct general maintenance of the hostel, especially on leaking water taps and toilets, which contributed to the huge water bills;
*That NHC checks on rental records and evict tenants who are not paying their rentals;
*Tenants adhere to ‘Tenancy Agreement’ relating to the accommodation of illegal tenants;
*NHC to evict tenants who are accommodating relatives and spouses as this is against the hostel rules as illegal tenants contribute to the huge water bill as they use water when tenants are at work during weekdays and they also add on to an increase in general water usage; and,
*NHC to strictly regulate the water flow daily to the hostel.