Backup plans vital: Mose

 By LUKE KAMA

THE National Disaster Centre has advised the provinces to have contingency plans to fall back on when there is a crisis.

Director Martin Mose said the provinces must have standby plans to use if there was a crisis in the essential services provided.

He was commenting on the water shortage in Kundiawa caused by the prolonged dry weather.

“In such case, there is a clear need for the provincial government to have a standby well or alternative supply, which will continue to provide the service to the people,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chimbu provincial administrator Joe Kunda said stakeholders had agreed at a meeting to establish a permanent water supply in Kundiawa town because it was expanding.

They include Water PNG, provincial government, provincial works, Kundiawa General Hospital, police, schools, churches and representatives of the public.

“The current water supply is inadequate and we are urging the provincial government to liaise with the Government to establish Water Chimbu,” he said.

“This would avoid a shortage of supply in the future if there is a prolonged dry weather.”

Meanwhile, Mose is awaiting a report on the current dry weather experienced in the province.

“I am yet to receive an official report from the province regarding the prolonged dry weather,” Mose said.

“It is not welcoming news to hear that services at the Sir Joseph Nombri Kundiawa Memorial Hospital have been scaled down, with other health and education institutions shutting down due to water shortage.”