SRY SPELL DRAINS WATER SOURCES IN IMBONGGU

BY JOE REMA

A PROLONGED dry spell has begun affecting water supplies across Imbonggu District and other parts of Southern Highlands Province, with several communities facing increasing shortages as rivers, creeks and natural water sources continue to dry up.

All reserve water tanks at the Imbonggu District headquarters were emptied yesterday after weeks without sufficient rainfall, forcing the district administration to hire a water truck to transport fresh water from a distant source to replenish the tanks.

The water is being used to meet the daily needs of public servants and their families living at the district station while authorities monitor the worsening situation.

Local officials have warned that if the dry weather continues, more rural communities could experience severe water shortages, affecting households, schools, health facilities and small businesses that depend on reliable water supplies.

In response, public awareness campaigns have been conducted throughout the district, urging residents to conserve water and protect the remaining creeks and springs that are still flowing.

Community members have been advised not to dump rubbish, wash vehicles or pollute water sources, as these streams have become the only reliable source of clean water for many villages during the dry period.

District authorities are also appealing to the public to use water wisely and work together to safeguard the remaining water sources until normal rainfall returns.

The prolonged dry conditions have raised concerns that, if the situation persists, water shortages could spread further across Southern Highlands Province, placing additional pressure on already limited water resources and essential public services.