K800,000 for Moresby North-East water

Caption:  (L) Eda Ranu CEO Henry Mokono receiving cheque from DA Sine, as Joint District Planning Committee Deputy Chairman Martin Kaupa looks on.

By MATTHEW VARI

Wednesday, June 25, 2014 (Midweek Chronicle, PNG)

SINCE announcing over K4.5 million in water projects in April for his electorate of Moresby North-East- MP Labi Amaiu, has followed up with his commitment with delivery of K800,000 to Eda Ranu for water four projects in the district’s communities.

Handing over the cheque on behalf of their member, District Administrator (DA) Eremuge Sine said that the funds were part of the K4.5 million earmarked for water projects from the electorate DSIP funds.

“The breakup of the K800,000 is for the Erima water project K200,000, the second phase of the ATS water project K200,000, Wildlife project another K200,000, and 8 Mile the final K200,000,” the DA said.

“With almost half of our DSIP going to water projects, the member’s is aware that many areas in his electorate do not have access to clean safe drinking water.”

The district administrator also reminded the recipient communities to not take the projects for granted by not paying for their bills.

“I want to make it clear to our people not to take these projects for granted as water is not free,” Mr Sine said.

“After the water is connected- you all must take ownership over this vital resource and Eda Ranu is a money making business.”

“What they can do is connect us to the water system, and the member is committed to connecting all communities in the district.”

In praising the efforts of the MP, Eda Ranu CEO Henry Mokono reminded those present that to bring in such services was a costly exercise- saying that the commitment by Amaiu of 50 percent of the electorate budget showed the calibre of leadership the MP was in.

“You can live without power, but you simply can’t live without water, and that has been the priority set by Mr Amaiu along with the other open members and the Governor of NCD,” Mokono said.

He reiterated the DA comments on taking ownership by paying for the service that he said was considerably subsidised.

“You must be responsible for your consumption, because the last thing we would want to do is open a water project and close it after a month due to unpaid bills.”