One such service is the water system for the city of Koror. A broken pipe in a strategically located position could spell great catastrophes, including health disasters for most of the country’s citizens. Koror currently receives its water from Babeltaup through a network of pipes, most of which run through the tidal flats between Koror and Airai. A good-size earthquake could break or damage these pipes. In recent weeks we have been reading about numerous earth quakes striking many islands in countries south of Palau. If one such unthinkable tragedy were to occur here all the people living on Koror, from Ngermid to Malakal and Meyuns, will suffer greatly. Our Government must do every thing in its power to prevent such tragedy from occurring anywhere in the Republic.
Other sources of water for Koror have been identified. Unfortunately, however, no serious efforts or plans have been developed to tap these sources should the system presently serving the city is damaged seriously or is broken down beyond immediate repair. These potential water sources include the water caves at Ngesaol, the underground reservoirs at Ngeriyas, Ngerkebesang, and the cement holding tank at Malakal. These systems, if developed correctly, hold more than enough water to serve Koror for many years should the existing water lines linking Koror with Airai are damaged and put out of action. It is time that experts should be retained to study and evaluate the country’s water resources, not only on Koror but on Babeldaob and the other islands as well, so that they may be developed to their fullest potentials. We have been reading about warnings on climate changes and the warming of the Earth’s temperature; and we should begin thinking about how to survive if and when these catastrophes should strike our area of the world. As islanders we are surrounded by water, water everywhere, but as the Ancient Mariner observed in a classic work of literature, we wouldn’t have a drop to drink if our sources of fresh water should dry-up.After the New Year and Christmas holidays, many children are again on our streets walking to and from SchoolsIt is that time of the year to remind everyone about the safety of our school children. Regular classes have resumed after the New Year and Christmas holidays and many children, some very small, are out on the streets five days a week walking to and from school. A small child walking on the side of the road is difficult to see when the streets are filled with all kinds of vehicles. A careless driver could injure or even kill a child if he attempts to move ahead of the vehicles before him at a busy road intersection. Please be very careful when you’re out driving your car.
