Water PNG Limited is building a new and better water tank for the people of Rabaul town and Malaguna 1.
The old Red Light Reservoir Tank has served the town for over 30 years. On Thursday, May 15, it was officially decommissioned to make way for a new tank.
Business Centre Manager, Mr. Emos Michael, said the new tank will help meet the water needs of the growing population. He said the old tank had done its job well, but it was time for an upgrade.
Demolition work began on May 14. The contractor, Fimali Ltd, is leading the work. After removing the old tank, a new one will be built in its place.
Mr. Michael said the team will work with the local council’s health officers to safely remove the old tank. Local youths will also help with fencing the site, so they can take ownership of the project.
Production Team Leader, Mr. Mohu Moana, said the new tank will be bigger. It will hold 940 kiloliters of water, which is 220 kiloliters more than the old one. He said this will help fix current water problems in homes and businesses.
He also asked everyone in Rabaul to take care of the new tank once it is built. Fencing around the tank will also be improved.
Fimali Ltd spokesperson, Mr. Benbert Toa, said the project will take about six to eight weeks. Water PNG has promised to keep water flowing during this time and will inform the public about the progress.
The decommissioning was marked with a special prayer by Reverend Akas Peni, as Water PNG and Fimali Ltd staff looked on.