PNG consortium WaSH Em i Bikpela Samting launched

Emeline Cammack from the Australian High Commission cutting the ribbon to officially launch the PNG WASH Consortium – WaSH Em Bikpela Samting, or WEBS; looking on is Jeffery Nehi, WaterAid Senior Program Manager.

The recently launched Water for Women PNG WASH Consortium, WaSH Em i Bikpela Samting (WEBS), comprises four civil society organisations – World Vision, WaterAid, Plan International and Live & Learn International. WaSH Em i Bikpela Samting is translated from Tok Pisin to English as, ‘WASH is an important issue.’ 

The primary aim of WEBS is to deliver improved health outcomes through inclusive and equitable water, sanitation and hygiene across Papua New Guinea through various interventions in the different geographical locations.

The consortium recognises that improved access to equitable and socially inclusive WASH services is essential to supporting the Government of Papua New Guinea’s COVID response strategy, through direct improvements to WASH in healthcare facilities in the project areas, while ensuring improved and equitable access to WASH services for women and girls and people living with disabilities.

Clement Chipokolo, World Vision in PNG’s Operations Director stated that there is a lack of proper sustainability of WasH initiatives that are being implemented by NGO’s and it was vital the issue be resolved.

Mr Chipokolo stressed that, “The sustainability aspect still remains a huge challenge in WASH, I think we should be looking at that sooner than later.”

Jeffery Nehi, Senior Program Manager for Water Aid added that effective partnership with government agencies and departments will provide a clear focus on the sustainability of WASH interventions that will be implemented by the consortium.

In addition, WASH Consortium Coordinator, Ms Turea Wickham expressed that a strong representation from the Australian Government, international representatives from the four consortium partners, together with the Government of Papua New Guinea representation through Mr Kants of NDOE, and Pastor Mike Fields of the Motu Koita Assembly, and sub-national representatives, was very encouraging, as a way forward to galvanising the various actors in the WASH sector.

The consortium will work closely with communities, the district authorities, provincial governments, and district and provincial level education and health managers of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, National Capital District, Morobe Province and the New Ireland province.

This news was originally issued via an Official Press Release from World Vision PNG on 29 November 2021 and has been adapted and republished with permission.