UNRE engages New Britain Drillers to improve campus water supply system

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UNRE Vice-Chancellor Prof. Aisak Pue (fourth left) and New Britain Drillers Operations Manager James Devilin (third left) after the signing which was witnessed by senior University staff.

WORK on improving the water supply system at PNG University of Natural Resources and Environment’s Vudal Campus has begun.

PNG UNRE recently signed a contract with New Britain Drillers to upgrade its water supply at the cost of K484,524.

Water has been a problem for many years and the University Administration under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Professor Aisak Pue has made it a priority to have the problem fixed before the end of this year.

Thanking New Britain Drillers, Professor Pue said he trusted they would do the job effectively. 

Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor Planning and Development Dr Francis Essacu expressed concerns that water is a huge problem for the campus and this must be solved with the establishment of the additional water bore.  

According to UNRE Director Planning Eric Kuk, 50% of the funding was paid to the company as advance payment. 

The contract involves drilling of a water bore that will be pumped into the storage tank to top up supply from the creek and the only bore that is currently situated at the water yard. 

“The company will ensure that the water is tested before commissioning,” said Mr Kuk.

Mr Kuk hoped that the additional bore water will boost the current water supply and if the two water bores can supply the whole campus then there is a possibility of ceasing water supply from the creek. 

He said with the increase in population and the Oil Palm production, water from the creek may be contaminated and no longer safe for consumption.  

Mr Kuk said with that in mind his office is currently working on documentation to engage a consultant company to do a feasibility study for the upgrading of the University water supply and the sewerage system.  

In the meantime, he urged staff and students to use water wisely. 

He explained that the shortage of water faced currently is due to continuous rain that has filled the dam with debris affecting the water supply. 

The University’s Estate Services section has engaged casuals to clear up the debris.  

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