Project to address fresh water shortage

By LUKE KAMA
PEOPLE living on islands in Manus are expected to have a reliable and good water supply with the arrival of desalination facilities.
The plants and equipment for the constructing of solar-powered sea water desalination plants are awaiting transportation to project sites.
The project is co-funded by the Japanese Government for K10 million through its Pacific Environment Community Fund, and the Papua New Guinea Government with K3 million.
National project manager Tom Anayabere told The National that the installations of the plants would be carried before the commissioning in December.
He is based in Lorengau to take charge of the delivery and installation of the equipment for the islands of Bipi, Mbuke, Whal, Nauna, Mal and Aua.
The equipment and machinery are in Lorengau awaiting inspection and clearance by Customs.
“There are nine big (20-foot) shipping containers of solar-powered seawater desalination plants in temporary storage at Lorangau, awaiting delivery to project islands this week,” he said.
Anayabere said sub-contracted installation engineers should be arriving on Sunday.
“The project is the first of its kind in the country to address the shortage of fresh water in island communities due to the impacts of climate change,” he said.
“If this works out well, there is possibility of replicating it in other parts of the country facing similar shortage of fresh water.”