Limited access to safe drinking water in many areas
Palau Public Utilities Corporation (PPUC) seeks help from the government, private sector and communities to improve the country’s water and wastewater services.
The Palau Public Utilities Corporation (PPUC) CEO Frank Kyota and other PPUC officials met with the Governors Association on Dec. 21 to discuss the current situation and ask for support in prioritizing water and wastewater as a matter of public health and safety.
Currently, safe drinking water is limited to Koror and Airai states. In contrast, the rest of Babeldaob and outlying states often need better quality water due to high turbidity and, at times, bacteria contamination. PPUC plans to improve the water supply infrastructure in these areas to enhance water services and quality.
“We need a collaborative approach to address these challenges comprehensively,” PPUC CEO Frank Kyota said during the meeting.
PPUC has been operating at a loss since the merger of the water and wastewater utilities a decade ago, making investing in improvements outside of Koror and Airai difficult. However, the recent FY 2024 budget included funding for several water projects, including the Ngiwal State water pump project, the Ngaraard water dam project, and the Elechui, Aimeliik water pump power line extension.
PPUC has also received financial support through an Asian Development Bank loan to improve the Ollei, Mengellang, and Ibobang water systems. Additionally, funding from the Managing Coastal Aquifers Project (MCAP) has allowed PPUC to repair and improve the Kayangel water infrastructure.
“We look forward to working hand-in-hand with all stakeholders to turn these discussions into actionable initiatives for the well-being of our communities,” Kyota said.
The challenges facing Palau’s water and wastewater sector are complex, but with a collaborative effort from the government, private sector, and communities, there is hope that improvements can be made.