By GEORGINA MICHAEL
SOUTHERN Highlands Governor Hon. William Powi has called on the National Government to declare a State of Emergency over the worsening El Niño-induced drought, warning that the crisis is rapidly becoming a national emergency.
Speaking during Question Time in Parliament on Tuesday, 24 August, Governor Powi said the prolonged drought had severely depleted water sources across Southern Highlands, affecting communities, schools, health facilities and government institutions.
“The current El Niño-induced prolonged drought is developing into a national emergency,” Governor Powi said.
He said rivers and major waterways in the province were experiencing significant reductions in water flow, with some rivers and creeks drying up completely.
Governor Powi said the shortage had created an immediate water security concern, with communities, schools, hospitals and government facilities struggling to access adequate water.
The impact is already being felt in the education and health sectors, he said.
“We have 184 primary schools, 16 high schools, nine secondary schools, in addition to Teachers College, Medical School of Nursing and Western Pacific University,” he said.
“In some of these locations, schools and health centres are being forced to reduce classes and services to half-day operations because of inadequate water supply.”
Governor Powi also warned of growing risks to public health, hygiene, nutrition and access to safe drinking water, particularly for children, elderly people and vulnerable communities.
Governor Powi pressed Health and Disaster Minister Hon. Dr Billy Joseph for answers on the Government’s preparedness and response to the crisis.
He sought clarification on whether a national El Niño response plan had been finalised, whether a National Coordination Mechanism was operational and whether dedicated emergency funding was available to provinces.
He also called for immediate assistance to Southern Highlands and other provinces facing severe impacts from the drought, particularly in water, health and education, as well as a clear national response framework involving all levels of government.
“This is no longer simply a water issue. It is becoming a water security, food security, health, education and livelihood crisis,” Governor Powi said.
Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa supported Governor Powi’s call for a State of Emergency, saying his province had been experiencing the drought for seven to eight months and that the situation was becoming increasingly serious.
Responding to the concerns, Minister for Health and National Disaster Services Dr Billy Joseph said the Government had established the El Niño Task Force 2026 and was treating the drought as a national security issue under a whole-of-government approach.
He said a supplementary budget would be presented to Parliament next week to reallocate funds towards the disaster response.
Governor Powi’s call comes as the prolonged drought continues to threaten water security and essential services across the Highlands, with provinces seeking urgent national intervention.