by Sylvester Gawi – EM TV, Lae
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is looking at rolling out the water and sanitation project in all rural areas in Papua New Guinea.
However, funding constraints remain a major challenge for the church-run relief organisation.
ADRA PNG’s project manageress for water and sanitation, Sinedou Luguna, says they are partnering with stakeholders to deliver this much-needed service to rural populations.
“We want to expand the program, but our financial constraints seem to be the major challenge,” Ms Luguna says.
The availability of clean, fresh water for consumption in both rural and urban Papua New Guinea has become a concern. Climate change and natural disasters have affected water sources in small creeks and water wells.
Unpredictable weather patterns have also taken a toll on the supply of adequate fresh water, leaving affected communities high and dry in remote areas. ADRA, under its water and sanitation division, say funding remains a challenge for them in bringing this vital service to communities.
“Water and sanitation seem to be the biggest needs within the communities in remote areas,” Ms Luguna says.
Unlike electricity, infrastructure and other basic government services, water and sanitation plays a vital role in the wellbeing of a community. Proper water and sanitation facilities help people to look after their health and hygiene and boost economic activities in the community.
“Sometimes we don’t have the financial capacity to provide all the services we can. We struggle to sustain our operations to look for means and ways to source funding to help the people.”
Today, the organisation is partnering with stakeholders like the government to source funding to drive this project to rural areas of the country.
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