Ongoing water issues concern woman leader

A WOMAN leader in ward five of the Wampar local-level government in Huon Gulf, Morobe, has raised concerns over ongoing water problems.
Norma Panjel spoke during a peace and reconciliation ceremony held at Yesua village on Sunday, following a fight last month over water.
She said since 1969, when Yesua village started and settlers moved in, water had been a daily problem.
“Women are the ones carrying water,” Panjel said. “We fetch water three times a day. For far too long, we have been suffering.
“We have been using water from Pusika village, but over time, landowners started to stop us from using their water source.
“When can our need be addressed by authorities?”
Things came a head last month when fight erupted with several people injured.
Panjel said the peace ceremony would send a message to leaders to immediately help the people of ward five, especially settlers in the Yesua and Afisip Zero Block.
Huon Gulf chief executive officer Moses Wanga said the district had plans for areas that did not have clean and safe drinking water.
NKW Group representative Levi Wartovo said it was up to leaders to submit proposals to companies for assistance.
Councillor Gumon Sandy had submitted proposals for a water supply and is waiting for a response.