The Rabaul District in East New Britain Province is one of the first districts in the province and country, apart from Pomio District, to roll out the PacFresH2O project, which aims to protect freshwater resources and increase resilience.
The official country launch of the PacFresH2O project was held this week at the Somare Memorial Park in Rabaul.
Related news: https://pnghausbung.com/rabaul-district-launches-water-security-and-resilience-project–pacfreshh20/
It was witnessed by the Minister for the Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM) and his delegation, the Provincial Member, the Rabaul MP and his DDA Board members, and project implementing partners such as WaterAid, GIZ, and others.
In his keynote address, the Minister for the Department of National Planning and Monitoring, Sir Ano Pala, said this is a German-funded project, a 20 million euro (PGK104 million) trilateral cooperation between Germany, PNG, and the Solomon Islands.
He explained that the PacFresH2O project will be rolled out between 2026 and 2031 in selected high-risk communities, schools, health facilities, and markets with the following approaches:
1. Climate-resilient water supply systems will be rehabilitated and installed.
2. Improved sanitation and hygiene facilities.
3. Climate and hydrological monitoring stations will be installed to work together with the National Weather Service.
4. Conservation initiatives.
5. Establishment of District Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) Committees; and
6. Alternative livelihood opportunities.
Minister Pala said that, as a disaster-prone province and district, they must be prepared and respond accordingly when disaster strikes.
He also announced that Rabaul is the first district in PNG to receive a fully DNPM-funded WaSH project of this scale, with priority given to the people of Matupit, who have endured decades of living in the shadow of a live volcano with inadequate access to clean and safe water.
This will also complement the PacFresH2O project.
Also present to witness the launch was Rabaul MP Dr Allan Marat, who expressed his gratitude to the Minister for National Planning and Monitoring, implementing agencies, and the German Government for identifying and selecting Rabaul District to pilot this important project.
“Germany and Rabaul have a long history dating back to the colonial days of German New Guinea, and we are privileged to renew those ties again with this vital water resilience project,” Marat said.
He said such projects will empower communities to become resilient and improve families’ livelihoods. Marat also encouraged the district to take ownership of the project.
Related news: https://www.thepngsun.com/major-rural-water-project-to-improve-lives-of-15000-in-rabaul-district/
Meanwhile, the Rabaul District Administrator, Freddy Lemeki, commended all partners for their efforts in successfully launching the PacFresH2O program.
He added that this will also complement the recently launched District WaSH Five-Year Development Plan.