More than 12,000 people across 20 communities in Morobe Province now have better health standards and livelihood opportunities, with the official opening of new solar systems and water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) facilities.
The new WaSH facilities in 20 communities across the districts of Finschhafen, Markham, Tewai-Siassi, Huon, Bulolo and Nawaeb include gravity-fed water supply for the communities, 80 laundry and shower areas, and 80 latrines, separated for males and females.
In partnership with the Environmental Health Development Agency, a PGK3.9 million grant through Incentive Fund helped to construct the new facilities.
The grant funded 310 kitchens and stand taps at 17 schools, 7 health posts and 28 churches. The new facilities have already had an impact on community health, with waterborne diseases reduced by over 60 per cent.
“Before this project, we had no reliable access to water,” said Mr Allan Siwas, WaSH Committee Chairman and Kuruwe Village leader.
“Now, we can be clean and healthy all the time and have so many options for new businesses and for our children to be safe in school. We are so grateful to the Government of Australia for these new facilities.”
Local communities supplied labour and transport for the projects, ensuring the skills and understanding for the maintenance of the infrastructure are kept close to the projects.
Vulnerable and marginalised members of the community were also engaged throughout both design and construction, building their skills and livelihood opportunities.
“The strong community engagement model used by this project serves as a model for other projects. With the support of the PNG-Australia Partnership, we have delivered training in sanitation and livelihoods, including food security, to community members,” said Ms Matilda Kuahen, EHDA’s WaSH Manager
Australian High Commissioner to PNG, His Excellency Jon Philp joined the community in Nasing, Finschhafen District, Morobe Province at the opening ceremony.
“I was hugely impressed at the contributions and commitment from the participating communities across Morobe, and I am confident the benefits of these new facilities will be felt for years to come,” said High Commissioner Philp.
The provision of solar lighting at the WaSH stations also improves the accessibility of the infrastructure leading to improved personal hygiene, safety, and health outcomes.
The PNG-Australia Partnership is supporting reliable, safe WaSH and solar facilities for communities all over PNG, including ensuring women and girls have privacy and security when using facilities or collecting water.