Eda Ranu: Water to take priority over power generation

Caption: Notice measurement of normal dam level at the beginning of discoloration of the white measuring line.

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, June 22, 2014 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

AS the effects of the predicted El Nino weather phenomenon is now being felt in the country, the city’s only water reservoir source, the Sirinumu dam is now below it critical capacity level of 50 percent- as the city’s only water service provider Eda Ranu reassured residents that priority will be given to supply water into the city.

In a trip taken to the dam site up in Sogeri by Eda Executives and media representatives, on Friday- the water service provider made calls for city residents to cut down on the unnecessary usage of water.

As of last week- the dam’s capacity is now below the 50 percent mark, and according to Eda Ranu’s Water Distribution Manager Johnathan Maino- the national electricity supplier, PNG Power, has scaled back its electricity generation operation to maintain water retention for the city.        

“The agreement between PNG Power and Eda Ranu is that when it is critical the preference is given to water then power- that is when PNG Power stops operating the plant and prioritizes water services into the city,” Maino said.

“We have maintained close contact with them in terms of monitoring the current situation.”

“With a total capacity to about 340 million cubic metres, currently dam operating at around 50 percent its capacity around 170 million cubic metres, that is what we have heard from PNG Power last week.”

He said that 50 million cubic metres would be the most critical point, but not to say the current 170 million cubic metres was not alarming, adding that uncertainty on the duration of the El Nino situation has added to the concern.

“After meetings with PNG Power representative they have told us that they have begun their control measures already- by reducing power production up here at the dam,” Maino explained.

“They control how much water comes down to the city, and in the case of power generation- a lot of water is required to turn those turbines.”

On its part, Eda Ranu will begin an awareness campaign exercise this week through the media and schools with the main message to save water.

With a huge number of illegal connections in the city, rationing in those areas with a high number of illegal connections will be undertaken, with advances notices given to residents on when they are to occur.

“When it hits the most critical levels rationing will also affect paying customers to ensure water supply continues into the city,” the water distribution manager added.

“Those settlements that do not pay for water we are going to start cutting them down to take precautions.”

Eda Ranu Commercial Services GM Paul Gore called on consumers, mainly major industrial users, to explore bore water sources as precaution to all out shortage. 

“We are appealing to customers to change their attitudes in the way they use water, particularly those major industries, they should start exploring bore water options and starts planning now because when we it becomes so critical, we do not know how long El Nino will last,” Gore said.

“If they want to sustain their business activities they must plan ahead, and residents must now take a conscious approach to their day to day consumption needs by using buckets instead of running hoses.”