Well management, objective to be achieved as planned: Official

National

THE management of the Port Moresby Wastewater Management Improvement Project (POWAMIP) by Eda Ranu has been well conducted, says Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) Global Environment Department director Dr Mimpei Ito.
Eda Ranu embarked on the project in partnership with Jica in April 2017, with the three-year project aimed at strengthening the capacity of the new sewerage treatment plant (STP) at Joyce Bay in terms of sewerage systems management.
Upon presenting the evaluation report of the project at the 6th joint coordination committee (JCC) meeting on Friday in Port Moresby, Ito said the overall management of the project was good and was likely that the original objective of the project would be achieved as planned.
He said the evaluation highlighted the effort by Eda Ranu in the improvement of the wastewater management through staff training and awareness.
However, he added that the only issue affecting the project now was with the merger of Eda Ranu and Water PNG.
The Jica team is working closely with Eda Ranu and other stakeholders such as Kumul Consolidated Holding (KCH), National Planning and Monitoring Department, Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (Cepa), the Health Department and the National Capital District Commission.
Eda Ranu chief operation officer Dr Fifaia Matainaho thanked the Jica expert team who had been providing technical expertise and assistance particularly in capacity building on management of the treatment plant since its initiation.
Matainaho said proper management of the sewerage system was important as it would contribute to improve conditions of the living environment of residents particularly along the coast while also preserving the marine environment.
He said the Jica team had been cooperative and had provided truthful assessment of the project that had helped the management this far.
Dr Ito said JCC meetings needed to continue to ensure that everyone was updated.