Governor donates tanks for villagers to access clean water

CENTRAL Governor Robert Agarobe has donated eight tanks to Kalo village in Rigo to help them access fresh water after their main water source became contaminated, Kalo-Natuna disaster relief committee chairman Iamo Geno says.
“Rigo MP Lekwa Gure helped in engaging water trucks to deliver 30,000 litres of water to the villagers last Tuesday,” Geno said.
“WR Carpenters group of companies donated K20,000 worth of food supplies to the villagers.”
He said in a statement yesterday that a total of K12,000 was raised, with contributions from villagers and individuals in their efforts to address the disaster while awaiting help from the provincial disaster committee.
“The recent mysterious contamination of the Kemp-Welch River in Rigo prompted emergency response by members of Port Moresby-based Kalo community, whose village appears most likely to be heavily impacted,” Geno said.
“Kalo is at the delta of the river leading out to Hood Bay, with about 5,000 people.
“We face uncertainty over lack of information regarding the possible cause of fresh water contamination from upstream.
“This has directly delayed relief efforts, especially clean drinking water, due to lack of action by district, provincial and national emergency officials since the situation was first reported two weeks ago.
“Several Government teams were dispatched along the river to conduct initial assessment and tests, however, nothing conclusive has been revealed by authorities at this stage as to the primary cause of river pollution that has seen fish and other fresh water species such as eels dying.”
Geno said instead of waiting for assistance from authorities, Port Moresby-based villagers had an emergency meeting last weekend with Rigo MP Lekwa Gure.
“Last Monday, Agarobe presented a total of eight 5,000-litre fully-kitted water tanks as part of his government’s support to this unexpected disaster,” he said. “The tanks were then transported by four Kalo PMV trucks to the village.”