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Nasuapum Primary School and its surrounding villages in Wampar LLG has had no access to clean water supply for more than four decades.

However, this is coming to an end with a groundbreaking ceremony for the clean water project at Nasuapum Primary School.

This water project is predicted to not only provide access to clean water for the students at Nasuapum Village, but will extend to benefit nearby villages in the area.

The water service once completed is expected to last for over 50 years, relieving the need to find clean water and providing a sustainable solution to the long-standing water crisis.

The initiative is implemented by the Huon Gulf District Development Authority (DDA), headed by the DDA Chairman and Huon Gulf MP, and Minister for Community Development Jason Peter, in approving K1 million for Water and Sanitation Projects for Schools and Villages across Huon Gulf District. The funding will ensure that more schools and villages in the district will have access to clean water in the future.

Wampar was chosen as the location for this crucial project due to its history of water scarcity since the establishment of the villages.

The pilot projects for the water and sanitation program will focus on Nasuapum Primary School in Ward 16 and Bobong Elementary School in Ward 18. With a total of K10 Million already submitted to the National Planning, additional funding is expected to be granted under the Water and Sanitation (WASH) program for the continuous development of this project.

The water crisis in Nasuapum Primary School and its surrounding villages has had a severe impact on the daily lives of the residents. Lack of access to clean water has affected the health and wellbeing of the community, especially the children attending the school. With the implementation of this water project, the community will finally have access to safe and clean water, leading to improved health, hygiene, and overall quality of life.
Huon Gulf District Development Authority said that the the water project is a significant milestone that marks the beginning of a brighter future for Wampar and the Huon Gulf district.

The locals of Nasuapum village and the Nasuapum Primary School Administration commended the Huon Gulf MP and DDA for the water project.

According to Huon Gulf DDA, they hope the project will serve as an example for other districts across Papua New Guinea to prioritize water and sanitation issues and ensure that every citizen has access to this basic necessity.

As the Nasuapum Primary School and its surrounding villages celebrate the end of their long-standing water crisis, the entire community was filled with hope and gratitude. The DDA said the water project was not just a solution for the present but a promise for a brighter and healthier future.

A community-oriented program is desired to give school aged girls equal opportunity to remain in classes during their menstruation cycle.

In rural Papua New Guinea, access to sanitary pads is limited and many young girls stay away from classes when menstruating.

Under the Papua New Guinea- Australian Partnership Program, women in Hiri District have been sewing reusable menstruation kits for school aged girls.

Reusable Pads

The full kit includes reusable sanitary pads, a wash towel, a pair of underwear, a bath soap, a plastic bag and a carrying bag.

Arau David was one of the first 40 women participants in the Training of Trainers Program and she is restarting the project again after COVID 19 affected productions.

Just recently Ms David has been teaching other women to sew reusable pads and keep the project going.

The reusable sanitary pads were first introduced to women in Sogeri and along Mount Koiari in 2017 under the Kokoda Initiative Program.

In realising the challenges in women’s menstrual health, the partnership between the two governments identified sustainable programs to benefit young girls and women in the long run.

In December of 2020 menstruation kits were donated to students at Bisiatabu and Sogeri Primary Schools under the Seif Meri Mun Program.

Similar programs have been rolled out throughout the country with different development partners and non-governmental organizations taking the lead to promote safer hygiene.

Reusable Pads

At the national level, the Government has integrated Menstrual Health Programs into the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene or WASH Program with a focus on designing facilities and providing a supportive social environment for students.

The government has also put in place policies like; Policy and Standards for WASH in Schools 2018-2023, which includes provisions for menstrual health education for girls and boys, provisions for menstruation-friendly WASH infrastructure and services, and training of teachers and staff to supplement menstrual health education.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/beon-women-undergo-life-skills-training/

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