LOs demand K5.5mil compensation as water main repairs blocked

The proposed partial shutdown of Port Moresby’s water supply faces delays after landowners blocked access to the damaged main pipeline, demanding K5.5 million in compensation.

Water PNG board chairman Meckles Poya said yesterday that Behori landowners in Central had barred engineers from reaching the site to begin critical repairs scheduled for Friday, July 31.

Poya said the blockade was frustrating progress and breached an understanding established between Water PNG and the landowners after the leak was discovered.

He said Water PNG had already paid K500,000 to the landowners to build an access road so workers could dig drainage channels and prepare the area for repair work.

“The blockade and threats must stop in the interest of the people of Port Moresby, who have a right to water and sanitation,” Poya said.

He said the planned repair work had already affected public services, with hospitals postponing elective surgeries, hotels reporting lower bookings, and additional pressure placed on schools, businesses, and police.

Poya said while Water PNG could invoke the National Water Supply and Sanitation Act to clear the site, the utility preferred an amicable resolution.

“We are asking the landowners to allow common sense and respect to prevail,” he said.

Failure to repair the pipe on schedule would see Water PNG lose an additional 10 million litres of water and increase the risk of a major main failure during the current El Niño period.

Poya added that while the Government could call on police under the Essential Services Act as a last resort, Water PNG was reluctant to disrupt its six-decade relationship with the Behori community.

Water PNG said it would keep the public and business sector updated as work progresses.