Water PNG celebrates 25 years service

By ABIGAIL APINA
WATER  PNG Ltd’s Kokopo branch celebrated its 25th anniversary in East New Britain province last Friday.
Manager Navary Teaku said it was another milestone for the company previously known as the Water Board.
Teaku said the celebrations in Kokopo involved major stakeholders such as the provincial government, PNG Power, Telikom PNG and customers in Rabaul and Kokopo.
He said the celebration was a way to show major stakeholders that the operation was on the ground to provide vital services to the community.
He said many customers still did not understand how a water meter operated and when a leak occurred.
He said customers often complained of high water bills and account problems.
“We have an obligation to deal with problems faced by our customers and ensure we continue to deliver the best service,” he said.
He said some customers waited to be disconnected from the service before they reported to the company.
 “As long as we do not disconnect them, they will continue to use. We try to keep bills at 90 days and are responsible to disconnect customers after the 90 days,” he said.
He said that ensured money was generated for the service to continue.
Teaku said the company had not faced major issues with customers in Kokopo, Rabaul and Nonga.
He said many people wanted free water but the government could not afford that.