BackIn October 2022, the Ombudsman Commission received a complaint in relation to continuous waters disruptions from a long-time resident in one of the suburbs in the National Capital District (city). The resident raised concern that her neighbourhood had been experiencing continuous water disruption for almost twenty (20) years.
According to the resident, water rationing by the water service provider occurs at random times and days in a week and had worsened in the last six (6) years. The resident further requested for the responsible water service provider to give immediate attention to the concern and to provide an explanation on why the critical water issue had not being resolved despite countless enquiries made with the responsible water service provider.
In December 2022 the Commission commenced assessment of the complaint and conducted necessary enquiries with water service provider concerned.
On 24 January 2023 the Commission was informed by the relevant authority of the water service provider, that the service provider had commenced undertaking short and long-term measures to address water issues in the City. For this particular issue, the water service provider installed a water pressure logger that monitors water pressure. The installation of the water pressure logger will assist the water service provider in monitoring water pressure data to ensure and maintain constant water flow to the residential area.
On 1 July 2023 the Commission conducted an on-site inspection of the installed water pressure logger and also confirmed with residents within the neighbourhood that there was an improvement in the water pressure/flow.
By August 2023 the resident confirmed that although her home is experiencing intermittent drops in the water pressure, there is now reasonable water flows particularly to ground outlets which is a relief to the residents.
The water service provider further advised the Commission that the entity has plans underway to address similar water issues in city and that they are currently undertaking improvements to water supply networks and distributions as a short-term measure. The water service provider has other long-term projects in line as corrective measures.
Source: Ombudsman Commission of Papua New Guinea
