Authority partners with Oro govt to improve water security

THE Kokoda Track Authority (KTA) has entered into a partnership with the Oro provincial government to improve the health and sanitation of communities near Kokoda.
Acting KTA chief executive officer Julius Wargirai said the water security project would be led by KTA using funds provided by the government of PNG.
“He said this was the second major community project that the KTA had developed in the region since the completion of the KTA review endorsed by the Government and National Executive Council in 2018.
At the launch of the project on Nov 29, Northern Governor Gary Juffa, thanked the KTA for initiating the project and stated that clean water was a human right.
“Access to clean water is vital to people’s health and wellbeing in villages. Clean water helps to reduce diseases and makes the daily lives of women, men and children safer and easier,” Juffa said.
The water security project in Northern is being assisted by the Australian government through the Kokoda Initiative, which is providing logistical support and technical expertise.
A two-week scoping visit was carried out in early this month reaching 18 communities across four wards in the Kokoda region.
Facilitated by representatives from the KTA, Oro provincial government and Kokoda Initiative, the consultations were an opportunity to understand the specific needs of communities and to inspect currently available water sources.
A report will be presented to the Oro provincial government by the KTA soon, with work to commence in coming months.