by Marie Kauna – EMTV Online, Port Moresby
Oxfam in PNG is a leading NGO, with three key areas of work; economic development, water, sanitation and hygiene, and elimination of violence against women. Over the past 20 years, the NGO in partnership with locals have facilitated to deliver much needed services.
Through its WASH program, many communities in the country have been able to access safe water for use.
Similar to Kobuan in Bougainville, locals in Simbu and Eastern Highlands provinces are now able to access safe water for use.
A total of thirty new taps with two 9,000-litre water storing tanks have been installed in the remote provinces of Simbu and Eastern Highlands provinces. This is to provide clean water for use.
Image Source: Oxfam PNG
The two tanks will store water from the hydro dam in Simbu province and supply to the villages that are connected.
In the past years, locals have been struggling with collecting water to use.
Community leader Chief Wai, when commending Oxfam, shed tears as he spoke gratefully of how the taps have impacted his life.
More than 7,000 people from Siane LLG in ward 16-18 have access to clean drinking water.
Local communities and beneficiaries of these water projects include two elementary schools, a primary school and a health centre from Siane LLG; Chuave district; and Watabung; Ungai Bena-Korombai Foi; and Mando in Eastern Highlands Province.
Oxfam PNG Interim Country Director, Lingalireni Mihowa, when speaking about the impact the water projects have brought to the many lives in the two provinces, said there is still a great need for accessible clean water in other existing communities especially those that continue to survive using contaminated water from creeks and big rivers despite bad conditions.
The project has been funded by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Humanitarian Partnership Assistance.
Image Source: Oxfam PNG
