Government House partners with local firm ahead of forecasted dry season

A long-standing partnership between Government House and local business house Leon Group of Companies has been further strengthened following a timely donation of water security infrastructure ahead of an expected severe dry season.

On the eve of the King’s Birthday public holiday, the Leon Group delivered 11 water tanks, each with a 4,000-litre capacity, to the Vice-Regal residence in response to an urgent request for assistance.

Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae expressed his profound gratitude, saying that the firm has a consistent history of stepping up to support Government House during times of need.

Sir Bob pointed to the very pole hoisting the Crown Flag on the Government House grounds as a permanent symbol of the enduring relationship between the office and the company.

"You have helped us in the past," Sir Bob said.

"When I first arrived here, I noticed the shape of the crown flag pole was not a good reflection of holding such an important flag. We looked for ways to rectify it, and our friend Mark and Leon Hardware came on board to assist us."

The latest intervention comes as a proactive measure as Government House prepares for a prolonged dry spell forecasted by the National Weather Service, which threatens utility reliability in Port Moresby.

"Because we rely on the Sirinumu Dam, when water levels drop, the city (water) supply also drops significantly," the Governor-General said.

"Government House is prone to these challenges. We have faced critical water shortages in the past, and this time it could be even worse. (We) have been coordinating on how we can mitigate the impact as we prepare for the worst."

Leon Group Operations Director, Mark Ismail, said the company was humbled to continue its civil support for the office of the Head of State.

"I am very thankful to be given the responsibility to represent Leon Hardware and hand over this donation today. I thank everyone here."