Deal signed for water projects

TEWAI-Siassi in Morobe has signed an agreement with the Lutheran development services (LDS) to carry out 22 water projects in its three local level governments (LLGs) over the next six months.
In a signing ceremony yesterday, local MP and district development authority (DDA) chairman Dr Kobby Bomareo said more than K2 million was appropriated for the rural water supply project.
The project would be implemented by LDS, a service delivery arm of the Evangelical Lutheran church of PNG (ELCPNG) and is expected to be completed by June.
According to LDS secretary Bonny Keoka, a feasibility study carried out earlier found some places in the district were prone to drought, especially in the low lying islands of Siassi, parts of Wasu and Sialum LLGs.
Dr Bomareo said the other five water projects would involve the islands of Tuam, Malai, Aronai, Mandok and Aromot in the Siassi LLG.
He said these five projects would involve converting sea water into fresh water for drinking and cooking water and the equipment would be sourced from Australia.
Dr Bomareo said the funding source of the project was from the Government when Prime Minister James Marape visited Wasu in September 2019.
“I am happy with this partnership with the LDS and thank ELCPNG for the support given for the implementation of the water project,” he said.
It was announced the 22 water supply projects would start next week once all materials were shipped to Wasu, Siassi and Sialum LLGs starting next week.
ELCPNG head bishop Rev Jack Urame said this was one of the initiatives that signified the partnership between the church and the Government which other districts and provinces needed to follow.
“The church is a development partner and we are ready to partner with the Government to extend services to our people in the rural areas,” he said.