By Fabian Hakalits – EMTV News, Port Moresby
Water Aid Country Representative, Eileen Tugum, has called on the National Government to increase its financial support for the National WASH Policy goals to]lf be achieved.
And in order for the services to reach all homes by 2030, the National Government must work closely with all development partners.
According to the Joint Monitoring Program of the World Health Organisation and UNICEC: “Five million people in Papua New Guinea do not have access to clean water while six million to adequate sanitation.”
“And so people are exposed to water borne diseases. Over a 1,000 children die every year from diarrhoea caused by unsafe water and sanitation.”
While figures remain unacceptable, an urgent call is for the National Government to take appropriate actions, because this affects health, education and broader development aspirations.
With the National WASH Policy in place, the challenge is now on stakeholders to work together.
“It is still a challenge, that we all stakeholders must work together to bring resources, cordination and address this as a national and worldwide issue.”
Tugum said access to improve safe and clean water services, including sanitation and hygiene practices, is vital for every Papua New Guinean.
