Project delivers water

MORE than 6,000 people at Ragiampun, Umi-Atzera in Markham, Morobe, will have access to clean and safe water starting this week.
Their Water and Sanitation Hygiene (WASH) project was funded by the National Planning and Monitoring Department.
The project begin in May this year and was implemented by the Adventist Development Relief Agency (ADRA) covering more than 10km, stretching out to all neighbouring communities in the area.
The project was aimed at providing a quality source of water to Ragiampun high and primary schools and the surrounding communities.
On Tuesday, officials from ADRA, SDA Union Mission and Morobe Mission of the SDA church, communities, schools and the public witnessed the commissioning of the project at Ragiampun Primary School.
ADRA PNG planning and relationship director Darren Yorio said the project was one of the biggest rural WASH projects in Morobe which took four months to complete, with the installation of 106 tap stands.
“A big project such as this comes with great challenges but stronger community support has enabled ADRA to successfully deliver this project,” he said.
Yorio said it was expected to be completed by the end of this week and the commissioning of the project was to allow people to use the water right away.
“Communities who are the recipients of this services should take full ownership to ensure that water system in well looked after.
“This water system is an enabler that can positively influence these communities to engage in sustainable small scale industries to further improve their income.”
He said access to water could also improve their livelihood and health.
He thanked the National Government for supporting the implementation of the project to support rural communities and address their need for a safe and clean water supply.
ADRA PNG country director Nitin Pappachen said access to clean water was a basic need.
“Human survival depends on water. Our daily lives revolve around it.
“It plays a crucial role in everyday activities,” Pappachen said.
He said the people of Ragiampun would enjoy an improved life with such service.