2 Days of Water Outage in Palau with No Warning, No Preparation, & No Real Explanation
Water Restored in Koror After Nearly Two Days of Disruptions
by Island Times
November 12, 2024
People waiting for water at temporary water dispensing sites after water pipes broke resulting in water outage last week.
By: Eustoria Marie Borja
KOROR, Palau - Water service has been restored across Koror after nearly two days of widespread disruptions that left residents scrambling for emergency relief and forced the closure of schools and businesses. The crisis began on November 7, when the Palau Public Utilities Corporation (PPUC) announced urgent repairs to a major water transmission line at Koror Side, Japan Palau Friendship Bridge
High-elevation areas such as Sireib, Ngerbeched, and Ngerunguikl were the first to experience water shortages. By evening, PPUC had to shut off water for the entire island as tank levels dropped dangerously low. In response, emergency water distribution stations were quickly set up at Ngermid Sansaro, Asahi Baseball Field parking lot, PCC parking lot, Koror Evangelical Church, and Meyuns Ramp. Residents lined up to fill containers, showcasing the community’s resilience and unity.
By November 9 at 8:30 a.m., PPUC announced that all distribution tanks in Koror had been opened, and water was expected to reach homes by 10:00 a.m. Residents who still experienced disruptions after that time were encouraged to contact PPUC Customer Service at 488-3870. A PPUC representative urged residents to report ongoing issues and assured that the utility would respond or assist as needed. The representative also thanked the community for its patience and cooperation throughout the ordeal.
In a phone interview, it was revealed that the water pipe in Ngesaol had been damaged even before the Koror Side, Japan Palau Friendship Bridge was compromised on November 7. “Repairs to the pipe in Ngesaol had to wait until the bridge-side pipe was fixed, complicating efforts to restore water.” “It became difficult to maintain proper hygiene practices, and that caused significant stress and anxiety,” one resident shared, reflecting on the emotional and physical toll of the outage
While many residents struggled, some in Koror were better prepared, having private water tanks that allowed them to maintain running water in their homes. “We have a water tank so I was able to shower. My classmate told me he didn’t shower right before we were dismissed from school on Friday.”, a student from Koror said.
Despite the progress made, challenges persist. On November 10, PPUC announced a scheduled water outage in Ngerikiil from 7:00 p.m. on November 11 to 6:00 a.m. on November 12. This outage is necessary for contractors to connect new waterlines to Oikull, affecting areas from Riverside Store to all of Ngerikiil.
PPUC expressed appreciation for the public’s understanding and encouraged residents to report any lingering issues. PPUC also extended appreciation for the support from various organizations, private businesses and individuals that came together to assist and support PPUC ensuring delivery of essential water supply to affected residents.
https://islandtimes.org/water-restored-in-koror-after-nearly-two-days-of-disruptions/
by Island Times
November 12, 2024
People waiting for water at temporary water dispensing sites after water pipes broke resulting in water outage last week.
By: Eustoria Marie Borja
KOROR, Palau - Water service has been restored across Koror after nearly two days of widespread disruptions that left residents scrambling for emergency relief and forced the closure of schools and businesses. The crisis began on November 7, when the Palau Public Utilities Corporation (PPUC) announced urgent repairs to a major water transmission line at Koror Side, Japan Palau Friendship Bridge
High-elevation areas such as Sireib, Ngerbeched, and Ngerunguikl were the first to experience water shortages. By evening, PPUC had to shut off water for the entire island as tank levels dropped dangerously low. In response, emergency water distribution stations were quickly set up at Ngermid Sansaro, Asahi Baseball Field parking lot, PCC parking lot, Koror Evangelical Church, and Meyuns Ramp. Residents lined up to fill containers, showcasing the community’s resilience and unity.
By November 9 at 8:30 a.m., PPUC announced that all distribution tanks in Koror had been opened, and water was expected to reach homes by 10:00 a.m. Residents who still experienced disruptions after that time were encouraged to contact PPUC Customer Service at 488-3870. A PPUC representative urged residents to report ongoing issues and assured that the utility would respond or assist as needed. The representative also thanked the community for its patience and cooperation throughout the ordeal.
In a phone interview, it was revealed that the water pipe in Ngesaol had been damaged even before the Koror Side, Japan Palau Friendship Bridge was compromised on November 7. “Repairs to the pipe in Ngesaol had to wait until the bridge-side pipe was fixed, complicating efforts to restore water.” “It became difficult to maintain proper hygiene practices, and that caused significant stress and anxiety,” one resident shared, reflecting on the emotional and physical toll of the outage
While many residents struggled, some in Koror were better prepared, having private water tanks that allowed them to maintain running water in their homes. “We have a water tank so I was able to shower. My classmate told me he didn’t shower right before we were dismissed from school on Friday.”, a student from Koror said.
Despite the progress made, challenges persist. On November 10, PPUC announced a scheduled water outage in Ngerikiil from 7:00 p.m. on November 11 to 6:00 a.m. on November 12. This outage is necessary for contractors to connect new waterlines to Oikull, affecting areas from Riverside Store to all of Ngerikiil.
PPUC expressed appreciation for the public’s understanding and encouraged residents to report any lingering issues. PPUC also extended appreciation for the support from various organizations, private businesses and individuals that came together to assist and support PPUC ensuring delivery of essential water supply to affected residents.
https://islandtimes.org/water-restored-in-koror-after-nearly-two-days-of-disruptions/