EHP WATER PROJECT PROVIDES RELIEF AMID DRY CONDITIONS

CAPTION: EHP Governor Simon Sia opens the tap to the water project. Picture courtesy of the Eastern Highlands Governor Media Unit

By Vicky Baunke in Goroka EHP

A NEW community water supply commissioned in Atrigu, Unggai-Bena District, Eastern Highlands Province, is bringing relief to a rural community that has struggled with access to clean water for decades.

The project, funded by the Eastern Highlands Provincial Government under Governor Simon Sia, comes at a critical time as prolonged dry conditions associated with El Niño continue to affect water sources and food gardens across parts of Papua New Guinea.

Governor Sia says his administration funded 40 community water projects across all eight districts of the province last year, before the severity of the dry conditions became apparent.

He says the investment is now proving important as rural communities gain access to clean water during the challenging period.

Eastern Highlands Governor Simon Sia said his administration had invested in 40 community water projects across all eight districts of Eastern Highlands Province 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.

According to community leaders the new water supply will ease the burden on families and could also help sustain food gardens affected by the prolonged dry spell.

Governor Sia has urged residents to take ownership of the facility and ensure proper maintenance so it continues benefiting the community.