Water shutdown forces schools in Goroka to close

SCHOOLS in Goroka town have been shut down by the provincial education division because disgruntled Komiufa landowners turned off the town’s water supply in frustration over non-payment of a compensation demand.
Eastern Highlands education adviser Thomas Jonduo confirmed closing schools in the vicinity of Goroka town that depended on the town water supply.
He said schools could not run without water. The closure, he said, was indefinite until the water issue was resolved and supply restored.
“Among the schools closed is the biggest, Goroka Secondary School, the primary schools closed are Faniufa, West Goroka, Gama Lutheran, Kama SDA, Ginitoka, North Goroka and Seigu High School,” Jonduo said.
Meanwhile, other services severely affected are the Goroka Provincial Hospital, provincial government offices, private businesses institutions such as the University of Goroka National Sports Institute and PNG Institute of Medical Research.
Komiufa landowners shut the water after the March 31 deadline they had set as payment deadline.
The landowners gave Goroka urban local level government (a week from March 31 to pay K2 million for the use of the town water supply.