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By Rolynda Jonathan
On January 30, President Remengesau has signed off on an executive order temporarily ceasing all activities of the Palau Water and Sewer Corporation (PWSC) and establishing the Water and Sewer Task Force.
President Remengesau ceased all start up activities of PWSC until the relationship with Palau Public Utilities Corporation (PPUC), Bureau of Public Works and PWSC is resolved and the task force is better positioned to facilitate the transition of PWSC. According to the President, since the Ministry of Finance and PWSC begun exercising their authority as the implementing and executing agency, the quality of water and sewer services has declined significantly, including leaving Malakal hamlet without running water and most of Koror state on water rationing schedule.
While PWSC temporary ceases activities, the Water and Sewer Task Force will be investigating on the current state of operations, precise relationship between the electricity generation from the Malakal power plant and water and sewer operations including the overall financial situation of the electrical and water and sewer utilities.
The Task Force, which comprises of Chairman Fritz Koshiba, the President’s advisor, Nicholas Swords of PWSC, and Senardo Ngirachelsau former Public Works employee among other officials from related agencies, will be reporting to the President and the OEK on its findings by March 1, 2013.