Water shortages experienced in and around Papua New Guinea's northern town of Madang over recent weeks could be resolved within days.
While the town's main water services have been cut this month, Madang residents have resorted to breaking reserve water pipes in order to access clean water. Photo: Nelson Wadau
The pump station which services Madang's water system was damaged earlier this month, leaving many residents without water for periods of several days.
While replacement equipment ordered by PNG Water is enroute to Madang, the local MP Bryan Kramer said water was still being rationed.
"Some weeks back there was flooding in that area in the river which actually caused a significant amount of sediment which then clogged up the pumps and damaged these impaler fans which draw the water. And they had no spare stock.
"So the parts are now sitting on Lae wharf. They've been cleared, and we're just waiting for the freight company to offload it, and we're going to stick it on transport today and make sure it gets to Madang today."
Bryan Kramer said if all goes to plan water services should be restored by the weekend.
Meanwhile, Madang residents have resorted to breaking reserve water pipes to get access to clean water, and prisoners at Beon Jail have been digging up wells to have access to water.