Pictures courtesy of Eastern Highlands Governor Media Unit
By Vicky Baunke in Goroka,
EHP Communities in Atrigu Ward 3 of Unggai Local Level Government of Unggai-Bena District in Eastern Highlands have been relieved after a new community water supply was installed.
The water supply was funded by the Eastern Highlands Provincial Government and was officially commissioned on October 9th, bringing clean water closer to households in the remote community.
According to the community leaders, access to water had remained a major challenge for successive generations due to the savanna area where natural water sources are limited.
However, the new facility will significantly reduce the hardship faced by families who previously struggled to access reliable water.
The project also comes at a critical time when prolonged dry conditions have affected river systems and agricultural production across parts of the province.
Community representatives said the dry spell had affected food gardens and crops, adding that the new water supply could also assist with watering farmland as communities continue to face changing weather conditions.
Eastern Highlands Governor Simon Sia said his administration had invested in 40 community water projects across all eight districts of Eastern Highlands last year, before the severity of the current dry conditions became apparent.
“We didn’t know that El Niño was coming, and last year we funded 40 water projects in all eight districts. Now we don’t regret spending that money, as people are enjoying fresh water at their doorstep,” Governor Sia said.
He also urged residents to take ownership of the facility and maintain it to ensure the water supply continues serving present and future generations
