K10m the cost of getting water into settlements

NATIONAL Capital District water manager Eda Ranu spends K10 million annually on supply of water to settlements and urban villages in Port Moresby, general manager Billy Imar said.
He said that to have continued supply of water to these areas, there needed to be a consolidated effort by all partners.
 “We know that water is a life-giving commodity but we are mindful that water is not free. The overhead cost to the service provider is overwhelming with little return, especially fromthe settlement and urban villages that are under the non-revenue areas which means we are not getting paid for our service to these areas,” Imar said.
He said Eda Ranu was willing to work with all stakeholders to improve the current supply of water to these areas.
“We are willing to listen and share ideas on how best we can manage water to these non-revenue areas. I challenge all stakeholders to work with us, especially the local level governments, NCDC, settlement and community leaders.”
He said a partnership approach between service providers, the government and the community could work successfully like in neighbouring countries where local partnership with service providers, ensured efficient service was provided with minimum cost to all parties.
Imar also called on water users to use water wisely and to report all leakages and illegal connection immediately.
“On average, Eda Ranu releases 145 million litres (mld) of water per day to the city of which 35 mld goes to settlement areas.”