Students to use water supply facilities worth K400,000

STUDENTS attending Baisu primary and elementary schools in Western Highlands will now have access to water, sanitation and hygiene (Wash) facilities worth K400,000, thanks to the European Union (EU), United Nations International Children’s Fund (Unicef) and implementing partner Care International.
The facilities at schools were opened on Thursday.
The Wash project which has been implemented at 50 schools in Hagen Central, is nearing completion.
Education Department assistant secretary (policy planning) John Kawage and three officers were present for the opening, including officers from the Mt Hagen city authority and Care International.
Kawage said he had visited 46 schools under the Wash project and was impressed with Care International for the quality of work done.
He said the project, jointly supported by the EU, Unicef and the Government, would benefit more than 60,000 people and nearly 20,000 children in the coming years.
He however cautioned schools to look after the facilities that were constructed using funds from taxpayers in EU countries.
Kawage said schools needed to look after the facilities and if they were lucky to receive funding from other donors in the future, the funding could be used to improve other infrastructures.
“The surrounding community, especially parents, should show their appreciation by looking after the important facilities,” he said.
“Having such facilities in such time are essential part of preventing sickness and protecting our lives during disease outbreaks.”