ATCDI plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between technology and community development in PNG. By focusing on appropriate, sustainable, and community-driven solutions, the institute supports the long-term goal of improving living conditions and promoting self-reliance in rural areas of the country.
The Appropriate Technology and Community Development Institute (ATCDI), founded in 1978, serves as the community outreach branch of the PNG University of Technology. Acting as a bridge between the university and the broader Papua New Guinea community, ATCDI translates the academic offerings of the university into actionable technological solutions designed to positively impact community life. In doing so, the institute champions sustainable rural development, aiming to bring progress while preserving the cultural values and traditions of the people.
Research,Development, Application and Dissemination of Appropriate Technologies.
Improve living standard in PNG.
1. Community, particularly those in rural remote areas less service by Government. 2. Application and sharing of suitable skills and knowledge with communities.
Conduct research and develop appropriate technologies that address rural development needs in Papua New Guinea.
Our mission is to conduct research and develop appropriate technologies that address rural development needs in Papua New Guinea and disseminate this knowledge to communities in a culturally sensitive and sustainable manner.
Our vision is to build a sustainable and culturally sensitive Papua New Guinea where rural communities have access to appropriate technologies and tools that enhance their quality of life.
Develop appropriate technologies that address the needs of rural communities in Papua New Guinea
Build partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of appropriate technology interventions.
Conduct research to better understand the needs of rural communities and to develop new and improved appropriate technology solutions.
Disseminate knowledge and information on appropriate technologies to local communities, organizations, and governments to enhance their capacity to adopt and use these technologies.
Projects like the Water Supply project in Nuknuk Village - Salamaua, Munum Bore Water Supply - WaSH Pilot project, and Kapari Village Bore Water Supply project in Central Province demonstrate ATCDI's hands-on approach to addressing water scarcity and sanitation challenges in rural areas.
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Our skilled team, composed of engineers, scientists, technical and community development officers, is dedicated to sharing their knowledge on these transformative technologies with communities not only within Papua New Guinea, but also beyond its borders. Their expertise and commitment ensure that we continue to make strides in enhancing the quality of life and the sustainability of rural communities.
Water and Sanitation Program
Appropriate Technology Program
Energy Program
Food and Downstream Processing Program
Workshop Department
Administration and Accounts Office
Janitor
We aim to provide rural communities with appropriate technologies for improved quality of life.
By promoting cultural sensitivity, we seek to enhance the well-being of rural populations.
Our goal is to ensure that rural areas have access to tools that enrich their lives.
We strive to build a Papua New Guinea where sustainable development and culture coexist.
Unlike a traditional, profit-driven commercial entity primarily focused on bottom-line results, we operate as a service-oriented organization dedicated to fostering development and growth. Our team comprises qualified and experienced professionals – including engineers, scientists, technical and community development officers – employed by the university's administration to contribute significantly to the ATCDI's development programs. Where a profit-driven entity tends to prioritize financial gains, we prioritize service. Our focus is on the contributions we can make to society and development, often facilitated through education, research, and community engagement. Our office facilities are well-organized, offering state-of-the-art workstations and an integrated communication network. This level of organization is purposefully designed to foster synergy, seamless interactions, and collaborations with other departments. Furthermore, it enables us to form partnerships with various development organizations both domestically and abroad, all of which are easily accessible through the internet. This type of connectivity and collaboration is something typically less emphasized in profit-oriented entities. Moreover, our utilities, such as water and lighting, are funded by the university budget. This is a contrast to a profit-driven entity, where the operational costs would typically be a significant concern affecting decisions and strategy.
In addition, we nurture a supportive culture and adopt a learning organization approach. This ethos encourages knowledge sharing and learning, ensuring the effective application and dissemination of impactful development information and technologies. By contrast, a commercial entity may focus more on competitive advantage, often leading to a more guarded approach to knowledge sharing.
Mr. Sona Anegi - Acting Director and Lead Engineer WaSH Program
To obtain assistance from the Water Supply and Sanitation Program, there are several steps that need to be followed:
To submit a request, you can write to us, visit our website or physically visit our office at ATCDI located within the Main Campus of the Papua New Guinea University of Technology, 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.
