Water PNG among top Pacific water firms

 WATER PNG is one of the top water utilities in the Pacific region in terms of technical performance, drinking water quality, customer services, human resources management and financial sustainability.

The Pacific Water and Wastes Association (PWWA) says “the utilities that participated in a survey are supplying water to about 1.8 million people and provide wastewater services to about half a million people in the region.

According to PWWA’s 2012 benchmark report, “Water PNG received the best customer service performing utility accolade and the Tonga Water Board as the best financial performer.

“Water Authority Fiji, rated best wastewater and sanitation utility, the Samoa Water Authority was named the best human resources Management performing utility.

Pohnpei Utilities Corporation in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), was rated the best performing Pacific water utility of the year.

PWWA executive director Latu Kupa said: “Pacific water utilities are making good progress with improving service delivery, but this report shows, further improvement is needed, particularly in key areas of: the reduction of ‘non-revenue water’, improved quality of drinking water, managing the demand for water, strengthening the skills of staff, and enhanced cost recovery.”

The PWWA report presents the performance results of 22 water utilities in the Pacific region and was prepared with the support of the Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility (PRIF). 

The PRIF partners- the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Australia, New Zealand, the World Bank Group, the European Commission, and European Investment Bank are assisting Pacific governments with improving infrastructure and services in the region.