By GABRIEL FITO
There is a cloud of uncertainty hanging over the future of the water users of Wewak town.
The Lands and Physical Planning Department has moved to allocate a portion of the land next to the Wewak district administration building, considered as a road reserve to commercial interest without considering the main water pipeline that supplies water to the Wewak township berthed underneath.
Wewak water board manager Patrick Jinimbo said the main pipeline that supplies water to residents of Wewak town including government offices and business houses runs through portion 434 and 435 from the old Wewak Timbers to Wewak council chambers.
He said now that the easement had been surveyed with the re-zoned land allocated for commercial interest, the future of the water pipe underneath was in jeopardy.
He had made many attempts for the Lands Department to either rescind their decision or create an access for his workmen to work on the water pipes when there are defects.
However, his attempts were all turned down by the department.
“How can I move in an excavator to work on the pipeline if there is a problem? ” Mr Jinimbo asked.
“The infrastructure was there before the land was surveyed and allocated for commercial interest, therefore it would be better if they consider creating an access between these re-zoned land and the council chambers, Garamut bakery, AOG church, Wewak guest houses and MAF compound,” he added.
Mr Jinimbo said he should not be made to relocate the pipeline elsewhere because the infrastructure was there before.
He said the Lands Department must come good by allowing an access road for it to make it possible to commence work.
At least two allotments on this section have now been occupied and the Wewak west community auxiliary police have also been ordered by the Lands Department to vacate the land to allow for development.
Provincial Lands adviser, when contacted by The National yesterday said the management of Waterboard should come to a round-table talks with his office if they want an access for the water pipe.
He said there were different categories of land that the water pipes run into and therefore they would have to discuss and establish a mutual understanding between either the customary landowners or tenants on State land before access for water pipes can be created.