Over 900 water meters have been installed around Rarotonga, with a third placed on commercial properties and most in the To Tatou Vai trial zone in Nikao.

Yesterday, a new ‘smart’ water meter was installed at the Punanga Nui Market to accurately record water usage within the area from the Maroro Fish Hut at the Vaimutu’uri Bridge (Avatiu/Ruatonga Bridge) to the Constitution Park area opposite the Catholic Church in Avarua.

Tereapii Timoti, chief executive of To Tatou Vai, Rarotonga’s water authority said as publicised water meters will be installed on all properties that are connected to the water network.

“The information will help him manage the water usage, and we hope that it will help determine if the usage is excessive or not,” Timoti said.

Because of the disruption, water flow at the market was shut down after 2pm yesterday

William Taripo, market manager said the market area has a lot of facilities that use water including the public water stations, public bathroom facilities, and cafés. “At the moment we are not being charged for water but who’s to say what will happen in the future,” Taripo said.