YOUTHS WORK TOGETHER TO PROVIDE CLEAN WATER FOR COMMUNITY

By Martha LOUISE

Water is an essential need for life and access to clean water in some parts of Papua New Guinea and the world can sometimes be limited or scarce, making people travel long distances or find new innovative ways to enhance water availability in their own communities.

For youth in Tanam of the Wampar LLG, this challenge has necessitated the need to find a way to make water available for their community. Karen Abor, a Grade 11 student at Lae Secondary School said Water scarcity is a serious issue in their community, with bad water quality putting people at risk of diseases like cholera and typhoid.

A group of youths from the area have developed an affordable water drilling machine, the “Pori Eco Drill,” to tackle this crisis. Made from recycled materials such as old car parts and steel pipes, the portable machine provides clean water access to underserved communities.

The drill has already brought water to churches in Kamkumung, households in Igam, and farmers in Markham Bridge and Tanam.

“These youths turned their struggles into an innovative solution, showing how determination can bring change,” Karen said.

The team plans to expand their efforts by partnering with organizations and improving the drill’s design.