District continues to implement water policy

Yangoru-Saussia in East Sepik is continuing the implementation of the national water, sanitation and hygiene (Wash) policy 2015 despite donors withdrawing funding, an MP says.
District MP Richard Maru, on Thursday during a presentation of K700,000 from the district development authority (DDA) to Oxfam International, said that the non-government organisation would complete the project starting at Munji, Holik, Yaremboim and Maringe villages.
Maru said 19 out of the 96 wards in the district would have complete water supply and sanitation systems at the completion of the three projects and further funding would be released for another two projects.
He said Wash was directly linked to improved health and sanitation and it was a priority for the district.
The project would be delivered after costing was done by Oxfam, whether it was a gravity-fed water supply system or provision of tanks with concrete, roofing iron and gutter for rain water collection.
The community provided 10 per cent cash equity, according to the Wash policy.
“If we have a donor partner like AUSAid or the EU or another partner, they contribute 65 per cent,” Maru said.
“The other contribution (25 per cent) is made by the YSDDA (district authority).
“However, in recent times, most of the donors have pulled back on Wash funding.”