The European Union, UNICEF and UNOPS partner to strengthen water, sanitation and hygiene in Banz, Jiwaka Province.
Klinpela Banz Komuniti Projek
Banz, Papua New Guinea, 2 FEBRUARY 2023 - The European Union (EU), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) officially launched the Klinpela Banz Komuniti Projek. The four-year project aims to improve the quality of life of communities in the provincial township of Banz through increased access to, and utilization of, safe, adequate and sustainable water supply, sanitation and improved hygiene practices in locations with high population concentrations.
Funded by the European Union at a cost of USD 11,700,000 (PGK 41,200,000), the Klinpela Banz Projek will be implemented by UNICEF and UNOPS in close collaboration with the Government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) to improve access to safe water and improved sanitation services in the town’s communal facilities - focusing on schools, health care facilities and markets.
The WaSH programme is an important initiative in PNG, especially during Covid-19 conditions. “The new Klinpela Banz Komuniti Projek is part of the EU’s continued commitment to support PNG in implementing the National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene WaSH Policy 2015-2030. More specifically, it helps the government to improve access to water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in urban areas of the country. This support is in line with the EU’s commitment to work with developing countries to improve access to land, food, safe water and clean, affordable and sustainable energy for all,” as underlined by the EU Ambassador, Jacques Fradin, Head of the Delegation to Papua New Guinea.
Officially launched on 2 February 2023 in Banz town by EU, UNICEF, UNOPS and the PNG Government, the project will contribute to long term sustainable behavior change at the personal, household, community and institutional levels by increasing access to clean water through safe and sustainable water supply, improving sanitation and promoting good hygiene practices.
“Spending money on safe water and sanitation is a smart investment. This is because access to safe water and improved sanitation contributes to reduced deaths among infants, increases school enrolment and completion and reduces illnesses so that children do not miss classes. In addition to increasing productivity among adults, it will also ensure the safety of women who will no longer have to travel long distances for water,” said UNICEF Representative, Dr Claudes Kamenga.
A key priority of the project is the promotion and fostering of good hygiene practices at the community- level through special focus on the needs of girls, women and marginalized groups. Good hygiene practices will be promoted at the household and community levels by establishing school hygiene clubs and
community dialogue to create awareness and provide training for teachers and health workers on the importance of improved hygiene and sanitation practices.
Ms Samina Kadwani, UNOPS Director for Papua New Guinea, Thailand, Indonesia and the Pacific, said: “UNOPS is glad to be part of this timely initiative which works to strengthen health and educational opportunities through the WaSH programme by paying special attention to women and girls, as well as those in vulnerable situations, leaving no one behind.”
The Klinpela Banz Komuniti Projek is a new partnership between the EU, UNICEF and UNOPS in Papua New Guinea. It is expected to improve the quality of the lives of men, women, and children in Banz by strengthening the provision of portable water and sanitation services to education, health and other government institutions. It will also provide learning opportunities and innovations applicable to other PNG provinces and districts to improve access to safe water and sanitation to more Papua New Guineans.
The launch event marked the official start of project activities, and was attended by EU Ambassador, Jacques Fradin, Head of the Delegation to Papua New Guinea; representatives from the EU Delegation; the Secretary for the Department of Health, Dr Osborne Liko; the Secretary for Education, Dr Uke Kombra; the Secretary of the Department of National Planning and Monitoring, Mr. Koney Samuel; Jiwaka Governor, Simon Kaiwi; UNICEF Country Representative, Claudes Kamenga; UNOPS Country Manager, Joeena Simpson, among others. The event included speeches by representatives from the EU, the Government of PNG, UNICEF and UNOPS. A number of cultural performances and a ceremonial launch activity were also staged.
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UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.
For more information about UNICEF and its work for children in Papua New Guinea, visit https://www.unicef.org/png/
