El Nino onslaught puts water, power at critical amidst funding anomalies

The National Weather Service has cautioned, water and electricity supplies in the capital city “are critical and will continue to be affected.”

The National Capital District continues to be in drought for over three months, now with Gulf Province recently transitioning to drought status this month.

In its August drought update, the Weather Service also announced Bougainville, West New Britain, New Ireland, Manus,Central, Milne Bay, Chimbu, Eastern Highlands, Hela, Southern Highlands, Morobe and Western and were on drought alert or these provinces will experience “below average rainfall, stressed vegetation and dry forecast.”

East New Britain, East Sepik, Enga, Jiwaka, Madang, Northern, West Sepik and Western Highlands are on drought watch.

Responsible state agencies including the National weather service and the National Disaster Centre had put together a K70-million submission to the National Executive Council for El Nino preparedness work, in June.

The Government has instead now asked that the District Services and Provincial Services Improvement funds of about K10-million be redirected towards El Nino preparedness work.

These directions on top of a proposed K300-million disaster relief financing from the World Bank, to go towards El Nino.

Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey, while announcing the proposed loan, did not specify on what specific El Nino preparatory work - this funding would be used for.

The proposed loan is among considerations to be captured in the Supplementary budget scheduled for 3rd September.