Tarawai Islanders can now access clean bore water

More than 50 households on Tarawai Island now enjoy clean, reliable water, thanks to a community led borewell project

Tarawai Island, located in East Sepik Province off the northern coast of Papua New Guinea, is home to fewer than 500 residents.

Until recently, people there relied on unsafe or limited sources of water for drinking and cooking. That changed with the launch of the Tarawai Borewell Water Project.

Officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by representatives from the Wewak MP’s office and WaterAid’s Senior Program Manager, Donald Kanini, the project taps into groundwater 30 meters deep.

Solar panels power the system, pumping water into a 10,000 litre tuffa tank, which feeds 16 taps placed across the island, four for each of the four community groups.

WaterAid delivered the initiative under the Strongim WaSH Community Project 2, funded by Australian Aid through the Water for Women program, in partnership with the Wewak District WaSH Coordination Body.

At the ceremony, Donald Kanini said, “Many communities around the globe are being affected Tby climate change, and this project is for the community. I appeal to the people to look after it so that the future generation of Tarawai will also benefit from it.”

Local leadership is helping ensure the system’s success. Chairman of the Tarawai Community Water Project, Otto Makamet, explained that a committee has been formed to manage the supply and upkeep.

The group created local policies and by laws, including a K2 monthly fee from each household to support future maintenance.

Environmental Health Inspector for Wewak District, Winnie Sagiu, said the borewell project was designed to address the impacts of climate change. “The water quality is safe and abundant,” she said. “Even during dry seasons, Tarawai Island will have enough water to meet its needs.”

Deputy Provincial Administrator for the Economic Sector, Jeffrey Yawi, spoke on behalf of the East Sepik Provincial Administration. “East Sepik Provincial Administration is ready to support Wewak District and WaterAid to carry out similar projects to all islands in Wewak District, as they are the most vulnerable people,” he said.

NBC Radio East Sepik, who attended the opening ceremony, reported that fathers, mothers, children, and community leaders on Tarawai Island thanked WaterAid, the Wewak District WaSH Coordination Body, East Sepik Provincial Health Authority, and the East Sepik Provincial Government for bringing clean water to their community.