As the main water supplier in Port Vila, UNELCO Engie is encouraging residents to conserve water as concerns grow over the impact of the dry season on water availability.

Speaking to VBTC News, UNELCO Engie General Manager Frederick Petit said while water is currently available, prolonged periods without rain could place pressure on water resources.

Mr Petit explained that Port Vila’s water supply comes from underground sources in the Tagabe area, and ensuring sufficient water depends not only on rainfall but also on responsible water use by consumers.

He urged customers to check for leaks on their properties, avoid excessive water consumption, and remember that water is a precious resource.

“I cannot say whether there will be enough water if we experience a long period without rain. However, there are ways to ensure water remains available. Customers must check that there are no leaks in their installations, avoid wasting water, and save water because water is precious and water is life,“ Mr Petit said.

He also called on members of the public to report any leaks they see on water pipelines.

According to Mr Petit, UNELCO is using advanced technologies to detect and repair leaks across its network as quickly as possible.

“We are deploying high-end techniques to detect leaks and fix them quickly because finding a leak without repairing it only creates bigger problems. I encourage the public to contact UNELCO or inform one of our technicians if they see a leak because it is in everyone’s interest to protect our water supply,” he said.

UNELCO says community cooperation will play a key role in ensuring water remains available for all residents during the dry season.