Rabaul residents get free water as dry season continues

One of two water supply outlets in front of the Balanataman LLG office complex at Nonga, serving nearby communities and residents along the Nonga corridor. (Image: Supplied)

Residents in Rabaul District can now access free clean water from two new public outlets established through a partnership between the Rabaul District Administration and Water PNG Limited.

The outlets are located at Kaivuna, Ward 4 of Rabaul Urban LLG, along the Matupit-SSM Road, and at Nonga village in front of the Balanataman LLG office complex.

The initiative comes as communities face a prolonged dry season, with the new facilities expected to ease access to water for households in the surrounding areas.

Under a three-year partnership agreement, Water PNG is providing access to its existing water infrastructure, while the district administration will pay the monthly water bills, allowing the public to collect water free of charge.

Both outlets are open daily from 8am to 6pm.

Rabaul District Administrator Freddy Lemeki said access to clean water was essential during the prolonged dry season and thanked Water PNG management for supporting the initiative.

“Water is essential, and we thank the Water PNG management for their understanding and willingness to partner with us using their existing water supply systems to set up taps for public use,” Mr Lemeki said.

Children at Kaivuna, Ward 4, in Rabaul, enjoy a quick wash at the new water supply outlet as District Administrator Freddy Lemeki and Rabaul Urban LLG Manager Joshua Wowo look on, while mothers cheer. (Image: Supplied)

The Kaivuna outlet will serve residents in Rabaul town, the Matupit and SSM corridors, and nearby communities.

The Nonga outlet will provide water to residents of Nonga, Tavui and other communities along the Balanataman and Kabiu LLG areas.

With the two new outlets, Rabaul District now has three free public water supply points, including the existing facility at the district headquarters in Kurakakaul.

Mr Lemeki said work was also underway to refurbish two water bores owned by Coconut Products Limited [CPL] to supply water to the Malaguna No. 2 Ward Hall.

He urged communities to look after the new facilities, adding that tracking sheets would be maintained at each site to monitor usage and support evaluation.

Water PNG Team Leader for Water Production, Mohu Moana, commended the district administration for the partnership and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to working with local authorities to improve service delivery.