KOROR, Palau – The Palau Public Utilities Corporation (PPUC) is urging lawmakers for financial support to bolster its water system’s preparedness in the face of a looming drought predicted by weather officials.
Citing forecasts indicating a 75% to 95% chance of drought between January and April 2024, PPUC CEO Frank Kyota appealed to Senate President Hokkons Baules in a letter requesting funding through this year’s supplemental budget. He emphasized the corporation’s commitment to “providing safe, reliable and clean water to our customers even during the most challenging times.”
The request outlines several critical drought preparedness works, including infrastructure upgrades to reduce water loss, exploration of alternative water sources like rainwater harvesting, and potential repairs and rehabilitation of existing well sources. Estimated costs for these projects are attached to the letter.
PPUC’s Water and Waste Water Operations (WWO) have been operating at a loss for years, with over a $4 million yearly deficit. Because of the losses, PPUC has been unable to invest in the necessary maintenance and improvements to shore up against a drought. Over the last 10 years, PPUC’s WWO’s accumulated deficit has reached over $22 million.
Kyota further stressed the urgency of the situation in a separate letter, highlighting the potential impact of a drought similar to the “extremely precarious water shortage” experienced in 2016. He included supplementary documents such as PPUC’s drought strategy, well assessment reports, El Nino contingency plan, and water management action plans to support the funding request.
“I welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss our needs in more detail and explore possible funding opportunities,” Kyota wrote to Baules, underscoring the importance of collaborative action to mitigate the drought’s potential impact.
The Senate has yet to respond to PPUC’s request, but the looming threat of drought is likely to spark debate among lawmakers about the necessary measures and available resources to ensure water security for Palau’s residents.