Rabaul District in East New Britain Province, has officially launched its five-year Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) Plan 2026-2030.
The plan was officially launched by the Minister for National Planning, Sir Ano Pala, at Malaguna Technical Secondary School Hall in Rabaul town on April 8, 2026.
The occasion was attended by Member for Rabaul Dr Allan Marat, ENB Governor Michael Marum, Minister for Fisheries Jelta Wong, National Planning and Monitoring Department Secretary Koney Samuel, National WaSH Program Coordinator Reichert Thanda, DNPM Technical Advisor Secretary Takele Tuna, ENB Provincial Administrator Levi Mano, WaterAID PNG Country Director Annemarie Paul, ENB Provincial Health Authority Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Ako Yap, district leaders and stakeholders.
Minister Pala highlighted that the WaSH Plan reflects the Government’s firm commitment to delivering essential services through strategic, evidence-based planning.
“This is not just the unveiling of a plan- it is a clear demonstration of our political will to place water, sanitation, and hygiene at the centre of national development,” he said.
The Minister said there is an urgent need for action, noting that only 42 percent of Papua New Guineans have access to basic drinking water, while just nineteen percent have access to basic sanitation.
He said the Rabaul District WaSH Plan aligns with the Medium-Term Development Plan IV (2023-2027), the National WaSH Policy (2015-2030), and Sustainable Development Goal 6.
Minister Pala said as part of broader sector reforms, the Government is progressing the establishment of the National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Authority (NWSHA) through a draft bill expected to be tabled in Parliament later this year.
He also announced that Rabaul is the first district to receive a fully funded WaSH project under the Department of National Planning and Monitoring, with an allocation of K3.7 million.
Implementation efforts are already underway, including feasibility studies and ongoing projects such as the Matupit WaSH Project.
The Minister issued a strong call to action to all stakeholders to commence implementation, scale the Rabaul model nationwide and deliver sustainable, people-oriented outcomes.
At the same time Member for Rabaul, Dr Allan Marat called on local and provincial authorities to read the plan and contribute to its effectiveness by way of implementation.
“It is your responsibility to read and understand the plan, align your local priorities and integrate your strategies into respective development agendas.”
