MEMBER of Parliament for Aoke/Langalanga has questioned the government over the poor water supply in Malaita Provincial Headquarter, Auki.

Hon Matthew Wale questioned the Minister of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification whether the three boreholes funded by JICA project are functioning well.

“I want to know the volume of water generated from these three boreholes and also I want to know if the JICA boreholes are functioning already,” he said.

In response, Minister of Mines and Rural Electrification, David Dei Pacha said the boreholes are working but are supplying a limited volume of water to the SIWA system in Auki.

He told parliament yesterday that Auki’s main water source is taken from Kwaibala River.

Hon Pacha said the supply of water to Auki town is relatively consistent although SIWA continues to encounter operational problems.

He said the operational problems are caused by dirt, snails and also dead vegetation filling the water source, causing difficulties for the water-pump to pump water.

Hon Pacha adds that another issue is Auki’s supply pipes which are old and leaking.

He said a water upgrading programme with necessary actions have been carried out in February 2016 in response to issues affecting the water pump at Kwaibala.

Hon Pacha said new water pumps have been installed.

He adds that pipelines have also been replaced under the Pipeline Replacement programme which is headed by SIWA using the Community Obligation Funds.

“Now the supply of water is back to normal in Auki Provincial Headquarter.

“Upgrading work will continue as long as funds are available,” Hon Pacha said.

He said the Government will continue to assist SIWA with funds through the Community Obligation Fund so that the programmes continues.