A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on Friday 25^th March in Port Moresby between Water PNG Limited (WPNGL), Eastern Highlands Provincial Government (EHPG), Goroka District Development Authority (GDDA), and the Goroka Urban Local Level Government (GULLG).

Under the MOU, WPNGL will conduct system audit and valuation assessment of the Goroka water supply and sewerage system to identify improvements and repair works required to upgrade the assets. The EHPG will be responsible for funding arrangements and ensure smooth management, operations and maintenance work is carried out. It will also assist with addressing landowner and community issues with the support of GDDA. 

The GULLG will allow WPNGL staff and agents free access to the assets for the purposes of management, operations and maintenance of the water supply and sewerage system.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by members of the WPNG Board, the Executive Team and WPNGL Business Centre Managers who were in Port Moresby for a one-day workshop themed “Reducing Debt to Stimulate Growth”. 

“Honorable Member for Goroka you are lucky. The people who will work on the water project are here. Our workshop is to develop a strategy to collect our debt,” WPNG Chairman Amb. Olmi said.

The Chairman added that Water PNG faced many challenges, which included inaccessibility due to the county’s rugged terrain and finance remained the greatest challenge. 

Acting Chief Executive Officer Parkop Kurua acknowledged that Goroka was a large urban centre that needed adequate water and sewerage services for its residents.

“Goroka has been declared a water district. Goroka’s water and sewerage system upgrade is part of our strategic plan. This MOU signing marks a milestone for the Eastern Highlands Provincial Government and the Goroka Urban LLG,” said Mr. Kurua.

MP for Goroko Mr. Tambua thanked Water PNG Board and Management Team for signing of the MOU.

“I am very happy to say that the MOU paves the way for more water in Goroka,” an elated Mr. Tambua said.