The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Water PNG Limited, Mr. James Young has confirmed the anticipated partial shutdown of the water supply into Port Moresby.
The outage is required for critical repair work and will take place over the coming weekend, running from 10:00 PM, Friday, July 31, to 3:00 AM, Sunday, August 2.
Mr. Young explained that undertaking the repair work was intentionally deferred so that Water PNG could execute extensive remedial preparations and secure materials from around the globe.
This strategy shortened the shutdown period to 29 hours- substantially less than the initial expectation of more than a week.
“While the situation remains serious, through input from engineers at Water PNG and experts around the world, we have been able to stabilize the situation so we can be in position for a shorter outage and better prepared in the event of a catastrophic failure during repairs.”
“The trade-off in the delay is that the city has been losing 10 million litres each day to the major leak, but this is the price we pay to reduce impact on the city during the repairs.”
“The additional preparations have included the replacement of key air valves and scour valves, extensive additional hydraulic modelling, securing replacement pipe materials and specialist repair couplings, and the installation of automated flow monitoring to support safer operation of the system during and after the repair.”
“These materials and technical equipment have been brought in from around the world, and measures are in place to continue raw water flow into the Mt Eriama Water Treatment Plant through the Rouna 4 pipeline.”
“It is important that there is full information and transparency so that the public and the business community are fully aware of what is happening, and the ongoing risks that come with such serious repair work to the Rouna 1/3 pipeline.”
“We are all in this together as we repair and maintain this vital public infrastructure.”
During the 29-hour rationing period, the city’s water supply will be reduced by 100 million litres per day (down to 80 million litres).
Mr. Young noted that the rotation schedule was designed to minimize the impact on households, ensuring residential areas maintain the greatest possible access to supply throughout Saturday.
“The longest outage will be in the downtown area where hotels and houses have greater capacity to prepare and store water for this period, than is the case in many suburbs and settlements.”
“Regardless, where people live or work, our advice is to store as much water safely in containers as is possible before the rationing period.”
“This is important for drinking and cooking, and for flushing toilets. When water is rationed to your area be sure to top up containers for the remaining period of outage.”
“Then when full water supply is returned, we urge all customers to run their taps for five minutes to ensure their supply is clear.”
Warning of Further Potential Interruptions
Mr. Young sounded a note of caution for further risks of failure that could occur during repairs.
“The Rouna infrastructure is almost 65 years old; this means that the whole pipeline is unstable and fragile with the serious a risk of outright failure.”
“There remains the chance that in reducing the pressure in the pipeline for repairs, and then repressurising, could cause a collapse.”
“It is important that the public is aware of this potential so that if a worst-case-scenario was to eventuate, we can all work together to ensure public safety.”
“Water PNG will provide updates on the current repairs and any changes in the integrity of the pipeline.”
Water Supply Rationing Schedule
While a specific zone has water supply at its allotted time, all other zones will be without supply. Forward planning is essential for both residents and businesses.
10:00 PM Friday 31 July to 3am Saturday 1 August (Zone 4):
Bomana, Marienville, Graceville, Maiolo Estate, Mendoza, Skyview, ATW, 2G, Laloki, MacGregor Barracks, Bio Farming, Kennedy Estate, Moitaka Power Plant, Brian Bell Home Centre, MVIL, Parliament House, Waigani National Court House, NZ High Commission, Nilkare St, Royal Golf Course, Morauta House, Telikom Rumana, Bowl Restaurant, TISA Building, Bishop Brothers, Boroko Motors, Ela Motors, The National Newspaper, Theodist, North Lake Estate.
3:00 AM to 11AM on Saturday 1 August (Zone 1):
Gerehu Stage 1-7, Rainbow, POMNAT, NRI, UPNG Main Campus, Red Sea Housing, EWT, Atlas Steel, PNG Ports, Curtain Brothers, Pacific Towing, Ensisi Valley, Tokarara, June Valley, North Waigani, Fourth Banner, Waigani Heights, Burns Peak, Lower Murray Barracks, Holiday Inn, Hilton, Lamana, Laguna, Dream Inn, Games Village, NCDC, VC, Rangeview, Savannah Heights, Stanley Hotel, Lakeside Housing Estate.
11:00 AM to 7PM on Saturday 1 August (Zone 2):
Boroko Drive, Gordon Industrial, 5 Mile, NBC, Erima, 6 & 7 Mile, Gateway, Airways, Airport, East Boroko, Korobosea, Waigani SNS, Hasting Deering, Waigani/Gordons Industrial -Gabaka St, Goroa St, Koani St, Soare St, Varahe Rd, Ahuia St, Manu, Taurama Barracks, Angau Drive, Bisini Parade, Caritas, Toea Homes, Mahuru, Kira Kira, Sabama, Pari Village.
7:00 PM Saturday 1 August to 3AM Sunday August 2 (Zone 3):
3 Mile, PX Village, Korobosea Drive, SVS, Murray Barracks, 4 Mile Boroko, Naslund, NCDC Depot, Works HQ, Seoul Restaurant, Garden Hills, Badili, Konedobu, Post Courier, Police HQ, Aviat Club, Lawes Rd, Port Road, Government House, Waterfront, Harbour City, ldubada, Kanudi, Town, Ela Beach Hotel, Touaguba, Airvos Av, Crown Hotel, Grand Papua Hotel, Paga Hill, Town CBC, IRC, Alibi, Ela Beach Tower.
