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Water for peace
The Highlands region is the poorest in Papua New Guinea. And while it has one of the highest annual rainfalls in the world, less than 10 percent of the population has access to safe drinking water and even fewer have access to sanitary toilet facilities. Waterways are often polluted by sewage, coffee pulping and tailings from large mines.
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Water tank at the Kup station in the Papua New Guinea Highlands. |
The Highlands region has a long tradition of tribal fighting that has accelerated in recent years, severely damaging development in the area. Tribal fighting has prevented investment in basic services. Many teachers, nurses and government staff moved away and many families temporarily relocated to safer areas, dislocating them from the land that is their livelihood.
Bringing enemies together
The Oxfam Water for Survival Programme is working with local groups in the Highlands to build new water supplies and sanitary toilets and to deliver health education.
Schools, hospitals and aid posts are targeted as key areas where impact can be greatest. Students will have clean drinking water and toilets, meaning less sick days away from school. Hospitals and aid posts will have hygienic facilities, including running water and toilets for mothers giving birth and for the treatment of common illnesses.
Providing safe water not only meets a crucial need but also brings former enemies together to work in the construction and management of their new water supplies and toilets.
- Working to end violence in the PNG Highlands
Oxfam is supporting the Kup Women for Peace in creating a peaceful society, preventing violence against women and promoting sustainable livelihoods in the PNG Highlands.
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