We need a solution to water shortages

 THE water level at the Sirinumu dam has fallen to the critical half-way mark and will continue to drop with the continuous dry weather in the catchment area.

PNG Power Ltd, which uses water from the dam on the Sogeri Plateau to generate electricity for the National Capital District and parts of neighbouring Central, is becoming increasingly concerned about the falling water level.

“There continues to be no rain at all at the catchment area, thus the water level continues to go down. This is an indication that the city might run short of water supply very soon,” PNG Power said in a statement yesterday.

“We need water to run our Rouna hydro power stations and with minimum water supply, we need to cut down on our generation capacity to supply power to Port Moresby and Central.”

The state-owned power supplier said the dam volume as of last Tuesday (July 29) was at 167.12 million cubic metres. 

The level above the sea was at 1743.503 feet (531.42 metres). That meant that the dam level was at 49 per cent of its full capacity of 340 million cubic metres.

PNG Power is urging electricity and water consumers in NCD and Central to use power and water wisely.

“Turn off lights and electrical appliances that you are not using and always have the temperature of air-conditioning unit at 24 degrees.”

With the falling water levels at Sirinumu dam and no looming dark clouds over the catchment area, PNG Power is starting to show signs of grave concern. 

In another media statement, PNG Power said a system emergency load shedding was underway in Port Moresby due to the shortfall in electricity generation. It began yesterday and will end in on Sunday.

The statement said the power generation shortfall that was currently experienced in the city was due to the shutdown of diesel generators at the Kanudi Power Station because of outstanding fuel payment with InterOil. “All consumers with standby generators are requested to supply their own power until the two generators are restored.”

While the management and emergency staff of PNG Power may be having sleepless nights over the critical power and water situation, the rest of the capital city does not seem to be overly concerned.

Many residents are still using hoses to wash their vehicles and water their lawns and gardens. 

They are not taking notice, deliberate or otherwise, of the PNG Power media statements and warnings.

It is obvious the messages about the falling water level at Sirinumu dam and the power shortfalls need to be delivered in such a way that people will actually take note of them.

PNG Power needs an aggressive media and public awareness campaign to convince city residents that the critical water and power situation needs their full cooperation.

The power utility, with the help of water supplier Eda Ranu, should seriously consider imposing penalties, such as spot fines, on inconsiderate city residents who continue to waste the precious liquid on their vehicles, lawns and gardens.

Without an aggressive media and public awareness campaign, backed by tough measures to reduce water wastage, PNG Power is fighting a losing battle.

Many years ago when Port Moresby City was facing a similar dilemma, there was a suggestion for the Government to fund the construction of a pipeline from a reliable water source, such a river, in Central or the neighbouring Gulf, Milne Bay or Northern provinces to the Sirinumu dam.

It seemed like a very good idea but the timing was wrong because the Government did not have sufficient funds to consider such a project.

With the current economic boom, spurred by the production of liquefied natural gas, the Government and PNG Power may consider a pipeline project to boost the water supply from Sirinumu dam, especially during the dry season.

After all, the idea is to maintain not only the electricity needs but the water supplies for an ever-growing city that will be demanding for more in the future.

As the capital city and the nation await to hold important international events in the coming years, now is the time to find a solution.