Three communities outside Mt Hagen yesterday, ‘Open Defecation Free by UNICEF PNG. These communities are Kenta One and Two and Rou village.
These villages have a population of roughly 800 people.
They have built 100 clean toilets, using the provided shut to pans, and local material for ventilation purposes, all with the help of Care International.
Local Motivator and Community Leader, Walg Rona, said the community has made by-laws not to defecate in the open space, not to litter, and to keep their household clean and river system and water sources clean.
Since the rollout of WaSH projects in Mt Hagen, a total of 107 communities out of the 200 communities in Hagen Open have been certified ODF.
Hagen Open electorate including Nawaeb, Goroka, and Bougainville was selected to pilot the EU-UNICEF and PNG Government’s Water, and Sanitation, Hygiene or WaSH project.
Meanwhile, UNICEF Country Rep, Dr. Claudes Kamenga encouraged families to practice good health and hygiene, to prevent children from getting sick or dying from diarrhea, which is the number one killer of children below the age of five.
He added EU and UNICEF will continue to partner with the National Government, in bettering the lives of children through such WaSH and Klinpela Komuniti projects.
