ATCDI Implements Essential Water Project in Kapari Village, Central Province.
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.
Sona Anegi – Acting Director, and Lead Engineer WaSH Program
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.
“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 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.
