Wash project supports villagers with 30 water tanks

MORE than 30 water tanks have been delivered to Rurei village in Selau, North Bougainville, providing people with clean water for drinking, cooking and improving sanitation and hygiene.
According to a statement from the Australian High Commission, the tanks were delivered under a water, sanitation and hygiene (Wash) project initiated by the Rurei women’s group and supported by the Australian government under the Bougainville partnership programme.
The water tanks were attached to houses in the village providing around 450 people with clean water. Easily accessible water reduces the burden of water collection.
In many places – Rurei included – this was a task undertaken by women and girls, taking time away from education, employment and community activities.
Local leader Helen Kenjue, a retired teacher and project coordinator, said the project had a positive impact on people.
“I am happy to see everyone, especially women and girls, having easy access to clean water,” she said.
“We’re achieving the sixth United Nation’s sustainable development goal which is to ensure everyone has access to water and sanitation.”