By GINNAH MINI
Chief Executive Officer of Water PNG, James Young, has raised concerns about the deteriorating state of the company’s infrastructure, noting that much of it dates back to the 1960s. He revealed that the European Union (EU) is currently assisting with critical repairs under its Global Gateway Strategy program.
Speaking at the 5th European Union–Papua New Guinea Business Forum at the Hilton Hotel, Mr. Young said that aging assets are now posing significant risks to water supply. “Much of Water PNG’s infrastructure was built in the 1960s and we’ve lived off these assets for quite a period of time. Now is the time to address these current risks, but also plan and build infrastructure for the future,” he said.
He highlighted that in Port Moresby alone, 57% of water leaks out into communities before reaching its intended destination, with approximately 55,000 leaking joints across the city’s network. “Just looking at Port Moresby as a standout, we’re sitting on a need for a K3.5 million replacement program of infrastructure, and you could magnify that across our other services—they’re in a similar dilapidated state,” Young explained.
To tackle the issue, Water PNG is working with its shareholder, Kumul Consolidated Holdings (KCH), and the government to advance a Public Private Partnership (PPP) program. The CEO outlined three priority phases:
Pipelines and pumping stations – addressing immediate risks.
Treatment plants – modernizing 60‑year‑old facilities.
Network replacement – tackling widespread leakage across the city.
Mr. Young stressed that almost every pipeline in Port Moresby requires replacement, describing the scale of work as “huge” in terms of financial, technical, and planning capacity. “It’s a scale‑up for Water PNG in every aspect—financial capability, technical capability, planning, and the way we engage with communities and government. All of this needs to be brought up to the next level to ensure success,” he said.
The panel also noted that EU‑supported Water‑Wise Communities initiatives are bringing approximately K195 million in EU and European Investment Bank financing to Water PNG. These funds will help improve services and expand water supply across the country.