Water PNG stepping up debt recovery efforts, says chairman

WATER PNG Limited is stepping up its debt recovery exercise targeting those who fail to settle their bills and people connecting water illegally in Port Moresby and other urban centres.
Company chairman Aiwa Olmi said the exercise also involved customers whose supply was disconnected for non-payment of water bills.
“Water PNG strives to provide safe water and sanitation services (but) it also faces the daunting challenge of collecting payments from customers for water usage,” he said.
“These payments are needed to meet operational costs in ensuring there is a continued supply of water and sanitation services.”
Olmi said part of an awareness on illegal water usage, Water PNG was implementing Section 35 of the National Water Supply and Sanitation Act (2016).
“It states that a person who interferes with pipes, apparatus, makes alterations or additions to any water or sewer main belonging to Water PNG without its authorisation, is guilty of an offence and a fine not exceeding K10,000,” he said.
“Water PNG, over the years, has not enforced this provision due to its commitment to provide water.
“But with the rise of illegal water users everywhere, we are advising (them) in the strongest possible terms to refrain from such activities of interfering with water and sewer pipes without our consent.
“This act of consuming water illegally means water theft must stop.
“If you know that you are still accessing water after the meter is disconnected, please make an effort to see us and sort out your outstanding debts and formalise reconnections. The disconnection exercise will be carried out on commercial properties or business houses (which owe) large amounts, despite notices delivered.
“Residential properties are included for disconnection.”
Olmi urged consumers to update their contact information with Water PNG’s customer service section.
The disconnection exercise began in February.