World Water Day: clean water key for development

A child enjoys access to clean water
 as recipient to Sinamblai water aid.
Picture courtesy of the EU funded Rural
Water Supply & Sanitation Project

On 22 March 2015, we celebrate International World Water Day. This year the focus is on the importance of freshwater and sustainable management of freshwater resources around the world with the theme: 'Water and sustainable development'. 

This presents an opportunity to share some results of the close cooperation between the Government of Papua New Guinea and the European Union in the area of water and sanitation.The European Union feels much committed to helping improve access to clean water in all our developing partner countries around the world. In the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector, the Union has 

funded projects particularly in the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries, of which Papua New Guinea is a member, via its ACP-EU Water Facility. 

The Water Facility was set up in 2004 with the principal objective of providing water and basic sanitation to the poor, and to improve water management governance. A total of Kina 2084 million (Euro 697 million) was committed for the ACP-EU Water Facility since its start in 2004. 

In addition to support through the ACP-EU water facility, the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Union have cooperated since 2006, to provide villagers with better access to clean water and proper sanitation. Some K67 million were allocated to this initiative here in Papua New Guinea. 

Four WASH projects were implemented throughout the country to a total of 323,800 beneficiaries in rural areas covering 762 communities and 19 provinces, to enjoy the health benefits associated with gaining access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation through provision of water and sanitation facilities.

 WASH facilities installed included 156 gravity fed systems, 2 000 water tanks, 40 shallow wells and over 16 000 latrines.

On the occasion of the World Water Day, EU Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, HE Mr. Martin Dihm says: "Papua New Guinea is blessed with an abundance of fresh water resources. Clean water is at the core of 

sustainable development as it underpins health of mothers and children, of families and communities, poverty reduction and economic growth more generally. Easy access to clean water is the basis of the livelihoods of many, particularly people in the rural areas.

In this regard, the European Union joins other partners in warmly welcoming and supporting the

Government's recently launched National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Policy 2015 – 2030. The policy will help focus resources and maximise the benefits for all. An implementation plan now needs to be developed. The Union will continue to help, provide support and funding to the water and sanitation sector in Papua New Guinea under its 11th European Development Fund where K182 million (Euro 61 million) will be made 

available for the sector."