Overview:
Palau’s House of Delegates has taken a firm stand on the nation’s growing water crisis, approving a resolution urging immediate action to improve access to safe and reliable drinking water. The measure calls for a nationwide survey of residential water tanks and highlights urgent concerns raised by delegates about deteriorating infrastructure and unsafe tap water.
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang
NGERULMUD, Palau — “Water insecurity in Palau is not an abstract problem, but a critical and urgent issue we face today,” Delegate Blesoch Aderkeroi said as the House of Delegates approved a resolution on Nov. 7 urging President Surangel Whipps Jr. to take immediate action to address what the House Resolution says is the nation’s worsening water shortages.
The House adopted Standing Committee Report 12-16 in support of House Joint Resolution 12-10-3, which calls on the president to direct the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Industries (MPII) and the Palau Public Utilities Corporation (PPUC) to conduct a survey and feasibility study on installing adequate water tanks in all qualified residential homes. The resolution aims to ensure that households have “healthy and safe water conveniently and readily available for drinking and cooking.”
The joint resolution was introduced by Peleliu Delegate Nace Soalablai and co-sponsored by several delegates. It was reviewed by the Committee on CIP, Energy, Communication, and Public Utilities, chaired by Aderkeroi of Ngardmau.
Aderkeroi, presenting his committee’s findings, said the measure is intended “to encourage the president to direct MPII and PPUC to conduct residential water tanks surveys, which will lead to more residents having more readily available access to clean water.”
He emphasized the scale of the problem, citing the National Infrastructure Investment Plan (NIIP), which estimates that water disruptions affect about 14,000 people—over 70% of Palau’s population. The report links water instability to two major factors: Palau’s aging infrastructure and the growing impacts of climate change.
“We must act, and we must act now,” Aderkeroi said. “We cannot afford to sit idly and wait for the next dry season that will force thousands of our residents to struggle for the most basic necessity of life.” He called the resolution “a targeted and reasonable” approach to support long-term water security.
Other delegates also raised concerns. Ngchesar Delegate Rebecca Ngimechaet criticized the widespread lack of confidence in tap water, saying, “We should feel guilty. Very few people drink tap water. Imagine their expense for potable water on top of tap water bills and sewer bills.”
Ngatpang Delegate Francisca Otong echoed the concern, noting persistent contamination in state water sources. “In my state, we do not drink the tap water,” she said. “Every time EQPB tests our water, coliforms or other bacteria are always present. I am sad that only Airai and Koror have safer water, whereas Babeldaob states have substandard water.”
The NIIP, a 10-year national infrastructure roadmap finalized in July 2021, outlines Palau’s priorities and major planned investments for the period from 2021 to 2030. The plan, developed through a presidentially directed steering committee and task force, serves as Palau’s post-COVID-19 infrastructure strategy, emphasizing the need to strengthen resilience—including the reliability of the nation’s water systems.