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PNG Water Sanitation and Hygiene Programme Management Unit, Waigani Drive, Port Moresby (2026)

21/05/2026

DNPM LEADS INAUGURAL NATIONAL TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING TO FAST-TRACK NWSHA BILL REVIEW

The Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM), through the WaSH Programme Management Unit (PMU), has commenced the inaugural National Technical Review Committee (NTRC) meeting to review and finalize the proposed National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Authority (NWSHA) Bill and its accompanying Operational Development Plan (ODP).

The high-level NTRC meeting was held on 20th May 2026 at the Gateway Hotel in Port Moresby and chaired by Deputy Secretary for Policy and Planning Wing, Mr. Michael Kumung.

The meeting brought together senior management-level representatives from key government agencies and partner institutions, including the Department of Treasury, Department of Finance, Department of Personnel Management (DPM), State Solicitor’s Office, ICCC, CEPA, Water PNG Limited, Mineral Resources Authority (MRA), Department of Provincial and Local Government Affairs (DPLGA), Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), National Department of Health, National Department of Education and other strategic stakeholders to undertake a comprehensive review of the draft legislation and institutional framework for the establishment of the National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Authority.

The NWSHA Bill and Operational Development Plan were initially developed in 2019; however, the current review process aims to strengthen the frameworks through broader stakeholder participation and legal, financial and institutional alignment.

Deputy Secretary for Policy and Planning Wing, Mr. Michael Kumung, said the review process was critical in establishing a coordinated and effective national regulatory framework for the WaSH sector across Papua New Guinea.

“For more than 50 years, many wards and communities throughout Papua New Guinea have continued to face challenges in accessing basic services, with water, sanitation and hygiene remaining among the country’s most pressing development challenges,” Mr. Kumung said.

“This review process aims to strengthen national coordination and improve WaSH service delivery across the country, particularly in rural and peri-urban communities that currently remain underserved.”

“The objective is to create a coordinated approach where agencies work together to strengthen partnerships, address policy gaps and support the effective delivery of WaSH services for all Papua New Guineans while ensuring institutional mandates complement one another without duplication,” he added.

Mr. Kumung further stated that the review process would ensure the proposed National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Authority framework aligns with existing legislation and government systems while strengthening coordination across all levels of government and sector agencies.

The National Technical Review Committee will ensure the Bill supports and complements the mandates of existing institutions, including CEPA, Water PNG, Provincial Governments and District Development Authorities, rather than duplicating their responsibilities.

The review process will pursue two major outcomes:
1. Review and finalize the existing NWSHA Bill, including obtaining the three mandatory legislative clearances:
o Certificate of Pursuant from the Department of Treasury;
o Certificate of Necessity from the State Solicitor’s Office; and
o Certificate of Compliance from the First Legislative Counsel,
before the Bill is tabled in Parliament during the anticipated November 2026 Parliamentary sitting.

2. Review and finalize the Operational Development Plan (ODP), which outlines the proposed organizational structure, staffing, operational framework and institutional readiness of the National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Authority.

The NTRC review process will run over a 20-week period and aims to deliver a Parliament-ready package by 31 August 2026.

The review comes amid growing concern over Papua New Guinea’s WaSH challenges, reinforcing the urgent need for a coordinated National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Authority to strengthen sector leadership, regulation and service delivery across the country.
Current national statistics show that:
• More than 5 million Papua New Guineans still lack access to safe drinking water;
• Approximately 9 million people do not have improved sanitation facilities;
• An estimated 1 in 7 Papua New Guineans still practise open defecation; and
• Poor WaSH services are estimated to cost the country approximately K2.5 billion annually in economic losses, representing nearly 3 percent of Papua New Guinea’s GDP.

Committee members acknowledged that the establishment of the National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Authority will play a critical role in strengthening coordination, regulation and long-term investment in the WaSH sector nationwide.
DNPM’s WaSH PMU is serving as Secretariat for the NTRC process and will continue coordinating consultations and technical review sessions with stakeholders and international consultants engaged to support and fast-track the review process.

The Technical Working Group is expected to reconvene in the coming weeks alongside international consultants to progress detailed legislative drafting, operational planning and institutional alignment toward the formal establishment of the National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Authority.

The establishment of the National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Authority is expected to strengthen national coordination, improve sector regulation and accelerate access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene services for communities across Papua New Guinea.

15/05/2026

PacFresH2O Programme Advances Climate-Resilient WaSH Services Across Papua New Guinea and the Pacific

PORT MORESBY / EAST NEW BRITAIN, PAPUA NEW GUINEA

The Protecting Freshwater Resources for Increased Climate Resilience in the Pacific Islands (PacFresH2O) Programme continues to strengthen climate-resilient water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) services across Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands following the successful regional launch of the programme in Port Moresby on 7 May 2026 and the subsequent Papua New Guinea country launch in East New Britain Province on 11 May 2026.

The five-year regional initiative is supported by the German Government through the International Climate Initiative (IKI), funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN).

The programme is implemented in partnership with the Governments of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the Pacific Community (SPC), WaterAid Papua New Guinea, and Live & Learn Solomon Islands.

The programme is supported through funding of up to EUR 20 million under the International Climate Initiative (IKI), with up to EUR 10 million allocated respectively for Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands over the implementation period from 2026 to 2031.

The regional launch held in Port Moresby brought together senior government representatives, development partners, civil society organisations and regional stakeholders, highlighting a shared commitment to addressing growing challenges in water security, sanitation and climate resilience across the Pacific.

Following the regional launch, the country launch was held in East New Britain Province, where programme implementation will focus on Pomio and Rabaul Districts as priority implementation areas under the PacFresH2O Programme.
The two districts were selected by government WaSH stakeholders based on existing WaSH planning efforts, climate vulnerability, and identified service delivery needs within the province.

Implementation activities are expected to commence in July 2026 and will be guided by the respective District WaSH Plans developed for both districts, ensuring interventions are aligned with national and local priorities, as well as community needs.

The programme will be coordinated by the WaSH PMU under the Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM) and will work closely with WaSH and climate stakeholders, provincial authorities, district administrations, District WaSH Committees, communities, and government stakeholders to strengthen sustainable and climate-resilient WaSH service delivery across target areas.

Her Excellency Ms Beate Grzeski, the German Ambassador to Australia and the Pacific Island States, emphasised the strategic importance of the initiative.
“Water security is a shared priority for the Pacific and a key pillar of climate resilience and sustainable development. Through PacFresH2O, Germany is proud to stand alongside Pacific partners in strengthening inclusive, locally driven and sustainable water management systems that respond to the realities of climate change.”

Less than 50 per cent of Papua New Guinea’s population currently has access to basic water services, highlighting the continued need for coordinated investments and long-term WaSH sector strengthening.

The PacFresH2O Programme focuses on strengthening governance systems, improving coordination, supporting climate-resilient water infrastructure, promoting nature-based solutions, and improving access to climate financing for sustainable WaSH services.

The programme aligns with Papua New Guinea’s National WaSH Policy 2015–2030 and National Adaptation Plan, while supporting ongoing efforts to strengthen climate-resilient WaSH planning and service delivery nationwide.

The Government of Papua New Guinea acknowledges the continued partnership and support of GIZ, SPC and WaterAid Papua New Guinea towards the implementation of the National WaSH Policy and ongoing efforts to scale up climate-resilient WaSH services throughout the country.

Vice Minister for National Planning, Hon. Daniel Tindipu, thanked the Federal Republic of Germany, through GIZ, for its investment in the region.
“The people of Papua New Guinea will repay this investment not in euros, but in the lives of children saved, in the productivity of women freed from the burden of fetching unsafe water, and in the resilience of communities standing firm against the worst that a changing climate can throw at them,” he said.

Through strong partnerships between government, communities and development partners, the PacFresH2O Programme aims to strengthen long-term water security and improve the resilience of vulnerable communities across Papua New Guinea and the Pacific.

22/04/2026

Rabaul and Delta Fly Lead the Way: District WaSH Plans Driving National Implementation

Papua New Guinea is taking decisive steps to strengthen Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) service delivery at the district level, with Rabaul District and Delta Fly District successfully launching their 5-Year District WaSH Development Plans.

Rabaul District, in East New Britain, became the first district in the country—outside of pilot districts—to launch its plan, setting the benchmark for translating national policy into tangible action. This was followed by Delta Fly District in Western Province, reinforcing growing momentum for districts to take ownership of WaSH development.

These plans are a key initiative of the Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM) WaSH Programme Management Unit (PMU), supporting the implementation of the National WaSH Policy (2015–2030).

What is the District WaSH Plan?
The costed District WaSH Plan is a 5-year, data-driven roadmap that identifies priority communities and outlines practical actions to improve access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services across:
• Communities
• Schools
• Health facilities
It aligns directly with each district’s 5-Year District Development Plan, ensuring WaSH is integrated into broader service delivery and development priorities.

Why is the Plan Important?
For too long, WaSH services have been fragmented and uneven. These plans:
• Provide clear direction and priorities for investment
• Strengthen coordination between government and partners
• Ensure resources reach the communities most in need
• Improve health, education, and overall quality of life
Most importantly, they shift the sector from planning to implementation, with districts taking the lead.

Driving Implementation of the National WaSH Policy
The rollout of District WaSH Plans institutionalizes the 7 strategies under the National WaSH Policy 2015-2030, including:
1. Improved sector coordination and leadership
2. Increased district-level WaSH funding
3. Institutionalising the Umben Platform (WaSH MIS) for data-driven decision-making
4. Improved and consistent approaches to WaSH Service delivery
5. Promotion of appropriate and climate-resilient technologies
6. Enhance private sector participation and partnerships
7. Capacity building and training at all levels
These efforts are laying the foundation for the transition to a National WaSH Authority (NWaSHA).

District Leadership at the Centre
Districts are at the forefront of implementation. Each District Development Authority (DDA), working closely with the District CEO, is responsible for leading the delivery of its WaSH Plan.

The DNPM WaSH PMU, alongside development partners and private sector stakeholders, provides technical guidance, coordination, and support, but the success of implementation depends on strong district leadership and ownership.

A Call to Action
All districts, including development partners, are encouraged to engage with the DNPM WaSH PMU to begin or strengthen their WaSH planning and implementation efforts.

Engagement should be initiated through the District Member (MP) in close consultation with the District CEO, ensuring alignment with district priorities and governance structures.

The WaSH PMU stands ready to support districts, not only in developing their plans but also in guiding effective implementation.

Together, through collective action and strong leadership, Papua New Guinea can accelerate progress towards universal access to safe, sustainable WaSH services for all.

21/04/2026

Congratulations Delta Fly District for launching its 5 year District WaSH Plan

21/04/2026

DELTA FLY DISTRICT LAUNCHES 5-YEAR WaSH PLAN IN BALIMO
Balimo, Western Province – 17 April 2026

Delta Fly District has officially launched its 5-Year Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) Plan in Balimo, marking a major step toward improving the lives of communities across the district.

The launch was attended by Hon. Agena Gamai, Member for Delta Fly, representatives from the Delta Fly District Development Authority (DDA), the Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM) through the WaSH Program Management Unit (PMU), the Australian Government through DFAT, World Vision PNG, Sustainable Development Program PNG, Western Provincial Health Authority, Western Provincial Administration, and other WaSH stakeholders and implementers.

Speaking at the launch, John Nokue, WaSH Planner with DNPM WaSH PMU, urged the Delta Fly District, provincial administration, and partners to take a leading role in driving the plan forward, emphasizing that its successful implementation is fundamental to effective governance and the delivery of essential services.

Data from the Umben Platform and PNG WaSH MIS highlights the scale of the challenge in Delta Fly District. Access to improved water supply in communities remains at just 29%, unchanged in recent years, while 54% have access to improved sanitation and only 5% have access to basic hygiene services, meaning many communities continue to face significant WaSH challenges.

In schools, 39% have access to basic drinking water and 49% to basic sanitation, while only 6% have basic hygiene services; affecting children’s health, dignity, and ability to learn.

Health care facilities face even more critical gaps. 52% have access to basic water, but only 6% have basic sanitation, 10% have hygiene services, 6% have waste management systems, and 13% meet basic environmental cleaning standards. These gaps directly affect infection prevention and the quality of care.

Population data further underscores the urgency. Only 17,470 people have access to improved water supply, compared to 49,481 without access, across 157 communities. While 41,639 people have access to improved sanitation, significant service gaps remain.

These figures reflect the desperate reality for many families, women and children walking long distances to fetch water, increased exposure to waterborne diseases, and schools and health facilities operating without adequate WaSH services.
The Delta Fly 5-Year WaSH Plan has been developed to directly respond to these challenges, providing a clear and coordinated roadmap to expand access to safe water, improve sanitation, and strengthen hygiene practices across communities, schools, and health facilities.

Joel Galoma, Chairperson of the District WaSH Committee, noted that the committee was originally established in 2016 when Delta Fly was part of Middle Fly District, and following the creation of Delta Fly District, it transitioned to operate under the new district to continue addressing WaSH issues.

“Currently, progress in WaSH is slow, with heavy reliance on development partners for funding, although the district has always taken the lead in implementation.”

The launch of this plan aims to provide clear direction, strengthen coordination, and open up opportunities for increased funding and partnerships, positioning the district to implement WaSH activities in a more strategic and prioritized way.

DNPM acknowledged the support of the Australian Government through DFAT in funding the development of the plan, and World Vision for its technical implementation support in collaboration with the Delta Fly DDA. This partnership continues to play a critical role in scaling up WaSH services across Papua New Guinea, particularly in remote areas such as Delta Fly.

Implementation will now be led by the Delta Fly DDA in partnership with government agencies, development partners, and communities. Integrating the WaSH Plan into the district’s implementation frameworks will ensure long-term sustainability.

DNPM WaSH PMU emphasized the importance of continued partnership with Delta Fly District as the focus shifts from planning to implementation, delivering real improvements in health, education, and quality of life.

The launch represents a shared commitment to addressing critical WaSH challenges and building a healthier, more resilient future for all.

18/04/2026

Rabaul District Launches 5-Year WaSH Development Plan

Rabaul, East New Britain – 8 April 2026
The Rabaul District Development Authority (RDDA), in partnership with the Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM) through the WaSH Programme Management Unit (PMU), has officially launched the Rabaul District 5-Year Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) Development Plan.

The launch event was held at the Trinity Resource Centre in Kurakakaul and brought together key national, provincial, and district leaders, alongside development partners and stakeholders.

Distinguished attendees included the Minister for National Planning, Hon. Sir Ano Pala, Secretary for DNPM Mr. Koney Samuel, East New Britain Governor Hon. Michael Marum, Member for Rabaul Hon. Dr. Allan Marat, provincial and district officials, and development partners, including WaterAid PNG
and Water PNG.

The launch marks a significant milestone in strengthening WaSH service delivery at the district level and signals a clear transition from planning to implementation.
The Rabaul District WaSH journey began with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between RDDA and DNPM, followed by the establishment of a District WaSH Committee, appointment of a District WaSH Coordinator, delivery of enumerator training, and the completion of a district-wide baseline survey. These efforts culminated in the development of a comprehensive, data-driven 5-Year WaSH Development Plan.

In his keynote address, Minister for National Planning, Hon. Sir Ano Pala, described the launch as more than the unveiling of a plan, stating that it reflects the Government’s commitment to placing WaSH at the centre of national development and scaling this model across all districts in Papua New Guinea.

“Today, I am proud to announce that Rabaul is the first District to receive a fully National Government-funded WaSH project, which will be implemented at a cost of K3.7 million,” Sir Ano said.

He further emphasized that the Government is taking decisive steps to reform the sector, including progressing the establishment of a National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Authority (NWSHA) and aligning WaSH interventions with national development priorities.

Secretary for DNPM, Mr. Koney Samuel, highlighted the importance of moving beyond policy to tangible outcomes, noting that the Rabaul District WaSH Plan serves as a “proof of concept” for delivering real infrastructure and services that directly improve the lives of communities.

The plan provides a clear framework to guide coordinated investment, identify priority communities, and strengthen district-level systems and leadership.
With the plan now in place, government stakeholders and development partners, including WaterAid, the GIZ-funded PacFresH2O Project, and ADRA PNG, are aligning their support to deliver targeted interventions, technical assistance, and sustainable WaSH services across the district.

The Rabaul District 5-Year WaSH Development Plan demonstrates how structured planning, strong leadership, and effective partnerships can deliver meaningful and lasting impact.

The model established in Rabaul is expected to guide similar efforts across other districts as Papua New Guinea works towards improving access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services nationwide.

08/04/2026

Reflecting on World Water Day – Bougainville 💧

We were honored to join the celebrations in Arawa! The theme, “Water and Gender – Where Water Flows, Equality Grows,” showed us that clean water is the foundation for dignity and opportunity for women and girls.

While we celebrate the success in Bougainville, we must face the grim reality of our national WaSH data. According to the latest JMP (WHO/UNICEF) reports, Papua New Guinea still has some of the poorest WaSH access in the Pacific region:

Water: Only 41% of our population has access to safe drinking water.
Sanitation: Only 17% have access to improved sanitation facilities.
Health: And a high rate of WaSH-related sickness.

To change these numbers, we cannot continue with "business as usual."
We need to move faster.

The proposed National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Authority (NWaSHA) is the "accelerator" we need. It will provide the national direction, coordination, and strategic funding to scale up WaSH interventions across the country.

Water is life. Water is equality. Water is our future.

We commend the Autonomous Bougainville Government, World Vision PNG, and Plan International for successfully hosting this event. We also recognize TVWAN Online and NBC for their coverage of this event.

18/01/2026

A Dedication Service to commit our year and our work to God

PNG Water Sanitation and Hygiene Programme Management Unit

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