The water desalination machine demonstration was done on Friday by Pacific International (PNG) Ltd.

This machine converts beach well water into fresh drinking water, using the technology of reverse osmosis and solar power.

Manager Lucas Kawage said this will reduce the risk of water borne diseases spreading in our communities, especially in remote areas that are prone to deadly illnesses.

He said the manufacturer, after talks with the government, tested the rivers and seas in and around and the nation’s capital, showing to the people that the water being consumed is dirty and not fit for human consumption.

He adds that it will cost a bit more than expected but it will be worthwhile for our people and our children.

He pointed out that a portable water desalination machine can pump up to 400L of water per hour and cleanses it for consumption, while there are also other sizes of machine that give up to 1000 to 10,0000L of water which can be pumped into household tanks for later.

“The desalination machine is user friendly, anyone can handle the simple portable machine to pump water straight from the river into the machine to be cleaned before drinking it.”

Kawage’s key message to the general public is that this could save lives.

He added that especially for people living near mining and logging sites in the country, where water contamination is a big challenge and issue, the desalination machine will be able to purify the water, removing it of its harmful contents and making it safe to consume in the long run.