Port Moresby – IOM has delivered rainwater catchment installation materials to the Kumbal Community in Jiwaka province.

These materials were generously funded by the United States Agency for International Development Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID-BHA), and was welcomed by the Kumbal community, located at the border of Simbu and Jiwaka provinces, and home to approximately 10,000 people from six council wards.

With the population in the area, the accessibility of water has been an issue, especially for women, children, and the elderly, which has resulted in the collection of drinking water from the muddy Waghi river and nearby creeks.

IOM’s interventions will alleviate water scarcity, and provide quality water, which is very much needed by these communities.

Jiwaka Provincial Disaster Coordinator, John Kupul, acknowledged USAID’s funding assistance, and thanked IOM for being an active partner working closely with his Jiwaka Provincial Administration to improve the resilience of local communities.

"All thanks to the people of America through USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance for this critical assistance to improve community access to safe drinking water. This has been a need for the people of Kumbal," said Kambiye Tolak, the Councillor for Kumbal Ward 2.

***

For further information, please contact IOM Port Moresby, Michael Asima, Tel: +675 321 36 55, Email: masima@iom.int or Eliorah Malifa, Tel: +675 321 36 55, Email: emalifa@iom.int