Our Water and Sanitation Program is committed to bringing clean, safe water to communities in need. Through comprehensive feasibility studies and the installation of suitable water supply systems, we aim to transform the lives of those living in water-deprived regions. More than just providing infrastructure, this program offers in-depth technical assistance and training to foster self-sustaining, locally managed water supply and sanitation solutions. Our primary focus encompasses the vital sectors of water supply and sanitation, areas in which we seek to make a lasting impact. Moreover, we continually strive for innovation, conducting rigorous research, and developing and testing cutting-edge technologies and equipment tailored to the unique conditions in our county Papua New Guinea. Our mission goes beyond access to clean water and sanitation - we aim to enhance the health and well-being of rural communities. By ensuring reliable water and sanitation solutions, we help to nurture healthier, happier, and more sustainable communities.
The main activity of the program is to provide water supply to rural communities in PNG. Currently, only 30% of these communities have access to a water supply system, which shows a significant need for proper water supplies. To address this, the program has introduced a low-cost and low-tech hand pump called the Rope & Washer Hand Pump, which is made of PVC pipe, fittings, nylon rope, and an old car tire. The cost for a four-meter drum-well pump is less than K200. The program can also assist communities in designing and constructing ferrocement water tanks, water wells, hand pumps, hydraulic ram pumps, and gravity-feed systems. Feasibility studies are conducted, and a detailed report is provided as the technical basis for a project proposal.
The program also addresses the need for proper sanitation facilities in rural communities to reduce health problems. Proper sanitation practices are always addressed during work on water supply projects or training workshops. The program can assist communities in constructing adequate sanitary facilities, such as the Ventilated Pit Latrine. Specific problems, such as high groundwater levels that prevent conventional pit latrine construction, can also be addressed with appropriate technologies.
The Water Supply and Sanitation Program has developed a new activity to address requests for assistance with fish farming practices. The program has created a manual on fish farming in PNG to provide guidance to communities interested in fish farming.
Research has consistently been conducted to enhance and modernize appropriate technologies, aimed at improving living conditions in the vast rural areas of this great nation. It is widely known that most diseases are linked to water supply and sanitation. Therefore, the Water and Sanitation program is actively involved in researching ways to minimize these diseases. One of the current research topics is ‘Water Heater’ - Can a water heater minimize these problems? If so, how? The research is ongoing, and any alternative solutions that readers believe will help reduce the dreadful dilemma related to water supply and sanitation can be forwarded to the Research Engineer for Water Supply and Sanitation at the address provided.
"Our Water and Sanitation Program serves communities by conducting feasibility studies and overseeing the installation of effective water supply systems, all with the mission of delivering clean, safe water to communities in need. By prioritizing access to clean water and sanitation, our program holds a fundamental aim: to substantially improve the health and wellbeing of rural communities. This pursuit, we believe, serves as a cornerstone for overall community development and prosperity. Join us in our journey towards creating a healthier, cleaner, and safer environment for everyone."
Below, we present examples of projects that have been implemented by the Water and Sanitation Program, along with various feasibility studies that have been conducted.
Access to clean water is essential not only for human health and a sustainable environment but also for reducing poverty, fostering economic growth, and promoting peace and security. The Appropriate Technology for Community Development Institute (ATCDI) at PNG University of Technology is committed to improving the livelihood of communities in Papua New Guinea through water and sanitation, electricity, and agricultural projects. Recently, ATCDI delivered a much-needed water project to the remote Kapari Village, located in the Abau District of the Central Province. This initiative was made possible through a joint partnership between the University's ATCDI Project Funds and the Kapari Development Association, with additional logistics support.
The water system includes a 34m-deep bore, with the water level situated 4m from the surface. This bore was initially drilled by Lohberger Engineering approximately 20 years ago. In 2021, ATCDI engineers Mr. Sona Anegi and Mr. Ronald Dei verified the feasibility of the water supply’s capacity. They returned in July of 2022 to construct the system, which consists of a 9500L tank placed on a 5m-high structure. A solar pump, connected to the system, extracts water from the bore, fills the tank, and allows water to flow by gravity to a ground-level tap.
Clean, accessible water is crucial to human health, environmental sustainability, poverty reduction, economic stability, and peace and security. The PNG University of Technology through its Appropriate Technology for Community Development Institute (ATCDI), has been instrumental in enhancing the quality of life for communities. ATCDI focuses on providing sustainable improvements through initiatives in water and sanitation, electricity, and agriculture. A recent landmark initiative by ATCDI is a water project in Kapari Village, located in the Abau District of the Central Province. This project has been realized through a collaborative effort involving ATCDI Project Funds and the Kapari Development Authority, with additional logistical support. UNITECH Vice Chancellor Dr. Ora Renagi said the third mission of the University is to transfer its technology to improve the quality of life of our people and this project has been delivered in fulfillment of that mission. “Unitech stands at the forefront of science and technology education, and it is essential that these technologies must be transferred to improve our people’s living standards. ATCDI is continually delivering similar projects around the country in water supply, electricity, and agriculture.” Dr. Renagi expressed immense satisfaction upon witnessing the project’s completion, which has brought about ground-level tap water access for the surrounding community.
The water system includes a 34m-deep bore, with the water level situated 4m from the surface. This bore was initially drilled by Lohberger Engineering approximately 20 years ago. In 2021, ATCDI engineers Mr. Sona Anegi and Mr. Ronald Dei verified the feasibility of the water supply’s capacity. They returned in July of 2022 to construct the system, which consists of a 9500L tank placed on a 5m-high structure. A solar pump, connected to the system, extracts water from the bore, fills the tank, and allows water to flow by gravity to a ground-level tap. The project was ceremonially opened by the member for Abau Open, Hon. Sir Puka Temu. The community celebrated the event with gospel singing and dancing, expressing their heartfelt gratitude to UNITECH and KDA for establishing the water supply system. Mothers were visibly moved, sharing their relief at the end of arduous water hauling for their families during dry seasons. However, the project’s funding only allowed for a demonstration of the technology transfer and water supply to the immediate community. Dr. Renagi issued a challenge to the Abau District Authority to fund further plumbing and piping system development to extend water supply to the broader Kapari Village, situated 5km down the road.
“UNITECH stands at the forefront of science and technology education, and it is essential that these technologies must be transferred to improve our people’s living standards. ATCDI is continually delivering similar projects around the country in water supply, electricity, and agriculture.” UNITECH Vice Chancellor Professor Ora Renagi.
The Hobu Water Supply System is undergoing a re-scoping process due to several reasons. These include the need to accommodate growing population demands, address aging infrastructure, improve system efficiency, meet updated regulatory standards, and enhance overall water supply reliability. The re-scoping aims to optimize the system's design and operations to ensure sustainable and resilient water supply for the present and future needs of the community.
The Salamaua Water Supply Project aims to provide clean water access to a remote community village that has long relied on water from a nearby river. By implementing a proper water supply system, the project seeks to ensure sustainable access to clean water for the community. Appropriate technology is crucial to maintain a reliable water supply, considering the village's remote location and the need for long-term sustainability. With the right technology in place, the Salamaua Water Supply Project can meet the community's water needs effectively and consistently.
Our Water and Sanitation Program serves communities by conducting feasibility studies and overseeing the installation of effective water supply systems, all with the mission of delivering clean, safe water to communities in need. This program delivers not just technical assistance, but also comprehensive training designed to enhance water and sanitation infrastructure. Most of our efforts are concentrated in areas where there's a significant need for improvements in water supply and sanitation. Our commitment extends to conducting extensive research, fostering the development of new technologies, and rigorously testing equipment that can be effectively implemented in the specific context of Papua New Guinea.
By prioritizing access to clean water and sanitation, our program holds a fundamental aim: to substantially improve the health and wellbeing of rural communities. This pursuit, we believe, serves as a cornerstone for overall community development and prosperity. Join us in our journey towards creating a healthier, cleaner, and safer environment for everyone."
Sona Anegi Engineer, WaSH
Mothers were visibly moved, sharing their relief at the end of arduous water hauling for their families during dry seasons. The project was ceremonially opened by the member for Abau Open, Hon. Sir Puka Temu. The community celebrated the event with gospel singing and dancing, expressing their heartfelt gratitude to UNITECH and KDA for establishing the water supply system.
To submit a request, you can write to us, visit our website or physically visit our office at ATCDI located within the University of Technology Campus, Lae, Morobe Province, or contact us through phone or email.
After receiving your request for assistance, we will ask you to fill out and return a questionnaire. This form provides us with project information and allows us to provide you with a quote for a feasibility study. It is important to note that the requesting community or sponsoring agency or individual must meet the funds for the feasibility study.
Once the funds for the feasibility study have been received, an officer will conduct a detailed survey of the project site and design the most appropriate system. They will then prepare a project proposal report, which includes a costing estimate.
The project proposal report will form the basis for the community or requesting agency to seek funding for the construction of the project. It is essential to note that it is the responsibility of those requesting the project to find the funds required to construct it.
If desired, the Water Supply & Sanitation Program can provide engineering assistance during the construction phase of the project for a small fee, which is included in the project cost estimate as management fees.
