No more water woes for Kundiawa

THE water shortage problem in Kundiawa town, Chimbu, will finally come to an end following the opening of an additional water source.
The ceremony is to facilitate the construction of the Kundiawa-Gembogl road to avoid disruptions to water supply into the town, Kundiawa-Gembogl MP Tobias Kulang said.
He said the two water sources (Urr and Monguma) would remain but the town would use the new sources as the main pipes ran alongside the road.
“It is good for land owners to understand the water problems facing the town and have allowed projects to go through.
“We will facilitate formalities to avoid problems in future,” Kulang said.
The town’s water shortage problem has been going on for more than a decade, and now, it is days away from receiving fresh water from Monguma Creek, uphill overlooking the provincial capital.
PNG Water is conducting final tests and purifying the water before town residents can use it.
Chimbu Governor Fr John Garia, Kulang, provincial administrator Joe Kunda and provincial executive council members officiated at the opening of taps on Monday.
The Chimbu government made available K200,000 and Kulang gave K100,000 for the project.
The 2.5km of pipes were completed, with the water connected to the existing main supply system, which comes from Urr Creek, towards Gembogl.
Water supply into the town was always a problem, with continuous disruptions either by landslides or disgruntled landowners demanding compensation.
After a court battle, the government paid K6.8 million for land acquisition and, as ordered by the National Court, the money was given to John Kua, the main plaintiff, to distribute to landowners.
However, Kua has not paid landowners and has stayed out of Kundiawa citing security reasons. He has asked for police assistance.
However, Chimbu police commander John Kale said there was no need for Kua to stay away as police were ready to provide security for him.