Some residents living in the areas of Chapius 3, Showground, Banban, Pepsi, and Sarakata in Luganville, Santo, have raised concerns about high water bills this year — with some saying charges have gone over VT10,000 in just three months.

These concerns arise as residents report that water is not running properly in their homes.

Chief James Kalomat from the Sarakata area told VBTC News:

“Last year it was less than 100, but this year it has gone up by 100-something.”

VBTC News visited the affected communities and spoke with residents. In the Pepsi community alone, more than 500 people are waking up during the night just to collect water for daily use.

One resident said:

“Water doesn’t run properly until 2 or 3am. That’s when it’s good, so we have to fill up drums to use during the day.”

VBTC News also visited residents in Showground and Banban, who raised similar concerns about water access.

In response, Acting Manager of the Urban Water Supply Unit, Erie Sami, explained that the existing water system is outdated and was originally designed to support a small municipal population only.

He said the increasing population and the extension of pipelines to rural areas like Showground and Banban have stretched the system beyond its capacity, making it difficult to meet current demand.

Mr. Sami is urging residents to bring their receipts to the Department of Water Resources office and formally raise their concerns.

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