Prolonged power cuts put Mt Hagen Hospital water supply under pressure

Ongoing power outages in Mt Hagen are threatening the water supply to the hospital, forcing the Provincial Health Authority to intervene to help keep essential health services operational.

The Provincial Health Authority assisted Water PNG Mt Hagen on Tuesday, to ensure water continued flowing to Mt Hagen Provincial Specialist Hospital after ongoing electricity disruptions affected the town's water system.

WHPHA chief executive officer Dr. Jonah Kurubi said a reliable water supply is critical to the operation of the hospital, with every department depending on water to deliver patient care.

"The hospital couldn't operate without a reliable water supply and thus have on numerous occasions assisted Water PNG, with the most recent assistance provided on 7th July 2026," Dr. Kurubi said.

"Water is essential for surgeries, maternity services, emergency treatment, sterilising medical equipment, cleaning hospital wards, washing linen and maintaining infection prevention standards.

"Any interruption to the supply can directly affect patient care and hospital operations."

According to Water PNG Mt Hagen, continuous and prolonged power outages have made it increasingly difficult to maintain a steady water supply across the town, including the provincial hospital.

The water utility provider says its operations rely heavily on electricity to run water pumps and treatment equipment. However, frequent power interruptions and constant switching on and off of electricity have placed additional strain on the system.

Water PNG also says ageing infrastructure and worn-out water equipment have further reduced its ability to operate efficiently, making it more challenging to provide a consistent water supply during prolonged power disruptions.

The Western Highlands PHA has continued working closely with Water PNG whenever assistance is needed to prevent disruptions to hospital services.

The latest support comes as the province faces increasing pressure on essential services, with the health authority also preparing for the impacts of the El Nino, including higher demand for clean and reliable water.

Both the WHPHA and Water PNG say long-term solutions, including improved electricity reliability and investment in ageing water infrastructure, will be essential to ensuring hospitals and other critical services continue operating safely and effectively.

The PHA boss urged its partners including Mt Hagen City Authority, Western Highlands Provincial Government, the three DDAs, business houses in Mt Hagen City and others to look into this critical and important service, and come up with plans to mitigate the situation.

This is critical given the current El Nino status in the country, which is greatly affecting Western Highlands.