Construction on track

 STAGE one construction work on the new water supply project in Kerema, Gulf, is on track and is expected to be completed by the end of the year, Water PNG says.

Team leader of the Kerema awareness campaign and site inspection Ila Renagi said the project would increase access to clean and safe water supply from 39% to 100 % by 2050.

“A total of K9.1 million was committed to complete stages one and two of the project, while stage three which entails the construction of the sewerage system will commence thereafter,” he said.

Renagi said the project had received funding support from the Gulf provincial government worth K500,000, while the balance of K8.6 million came from the government’s public investment programme (PIP). 

“The stage one construction worth K3.3 million included the construction of the rising main, transmission and distribution mains, elevated water storage tank, installation of chlorination treatment facility and standby generator, house connections, metres and other appurtenances such as valves, fire hydrants, etc. Stage two worth K5.3 million, included the construction work with extended coverage of supply to the entire residence of Kerema Town.”

He said the team will return in August to conduct a customer survey and carry out awareness on the proper use of water and sanitation systems, misuse and wastage of water, educate people of the levels of non-payment, raise awareness on Water PNG’s services and mandatory role, and raise awareness on how clean water can improve the quality of life in Kerema 

He said there were some discussions on collaborating awareness activities with the Nobel Peace Prize winner Médecins Sans Frontières (the world’s leading independent organisation for medical humanitarian aid) who are currently in Kerema to minimise the spread of tuberculosis through their various vaccination and health programmes.