-ensuring sustainable supply for over 2,000 residents
The depletion of many of the water systems in Region Nine due to prolonged dry spells has prompted the government to expand water infrastructure to ensure a sustainable supply of potable water to communities in the region, according to a Department of Public Information (DPI) release recently.
It also informed that Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, is currently in the region commissioning expanded water systems that will benefit approximately 2,000 households in Karaudarnau, Awarewaunau, and Rupunau. According to DPI, the Kardaranau water supply system underwent a significant upgrade in 2023. The system’s coverage was boosted to reach 80 per cent of the village, with two drilled wells, elevated storage facilities, and an expanded distribution network. Also included was the installation of new distribution lines and elevated storage, enabling service connections for an additional 120 households, many of whom gained access for the first time.
The total investment for the new water system amounted to over $61 million.
Meanwhile, the water supply system in Awarewaunau covers approximately 90 per cent of the community, providing water to individual households as well as public buildings such as the school and health center. Last year, GWI expanded the system to cover 95 per cent of the community, with the remaining 10 per cent scattered across the outskirts.
The new well, drilled by D&R Construction for $15 million, and the distribution network, done by the GWI in-house team at $10 million, brought the total investment to $25 million.
Over at Rupunau Village, the water supply system has undergone a significant transformation to meet the community’s needs. The new well, drilled for $12 million by C&H Construction, along with the distribution network constructed by Joshi Construction for $16 million, has been a “game-changer,” granting access to water for 90% of the population.
Minister Rodrigues explained that despite the challenges posed by the prolonged dry spells, the government continues to seek interventions in these communities to ensure the residents have a constant supply of potable water. She also took the opportunity to update the residents on major developments in the water sector over the past three years.
She also highlighted that more than $3.4 billion has been invested in the hinterland from August 2020 to the present with some 75 new wells having been completed to provide service to more than 15,000 persons for the first time. This has resulted in access to water increasing from 45 per cent to 83 per cent in just three years, the release added.
