A groundbreaking climate-resilient development initiative has been launched in Kemabolo village, Rigo District, offering residents access to clean water and improved social services, thanks to a partnership between the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and UNICEF. The program, rolled out in collaboration with the Central Provincial Government, Rigo District Administration, the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA), and the Department of National Planning and Monitoring, is expected to directly benefit 30,000 people — including 12,000 children — while contributing to improved health and education outcomes for nearly half a million Papua New Guineans. At the center of this initiative is the installation of a new solar-powered water supply system. The system will provide safe and reliable water drawn from boreholes to all 250 households in Kemabolo, as well as to local schools and health facilities. This critical infrastructure is designed to bolster the village’s ability to cope with climate-related challenges such as droughts and floods. “The Government of Korea has donated money through UNICEF to upgrade the living condition of this village, and I know this project will be a success,” said H.E. Jong Ho Choi, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Papua New Guinea, as he officially commissioned the new system by turning on the water tap. The need for such investment became evident following a comprehensive Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA), which highlighted Kemabolo’s exposure to frequent droughts, contaminated water sources, poor sanitation, and limited economic opportunities. The burden of water scarcity has fallen most heavily on women and girls. “For us, water is not simply a resource — it is a daily struggle,” said Joan Gwaibo, Head of the Women’s Committee. “It was something the women of Kemabolo carried on their backs and in their arms, walking long distances under the scorching sun, often before dawn or after dusk.” Students are also set to benefit from the water access, which supports better attendance and health outcomes in schools. “Water is not just a basic need for life — it is a right. When proper water is supplied to the school, it helps students stay in school, stay healthy, and achieve their dreams, especially girls,” said Mackllah Gulu, the school head girl. Strong community engagement has been key to the project’s success. Local residents have formed a Water User Committee that includes representatives from youth groups, women, education, health, and religious organizations. The committee will manage the water system’s ongoing operation and maintenance, with support from a monthly household contribution scheme. “Rigo District and Kemabolo can be champions in showing how climate-smart social services and infrastructure can be established and sustained,” said Veera Mendonca, UNICEF Representative. “This is not just about infrastructure — it’s about local ownership, resilience, and protecting the most vulnerable.” Government officials emphasized the long-term vision behind the project, describing it as a model for community-led development across the country. “Creating a good environment for our children and their communities to enjoy their life is fundamental to our progress going forward in the next 50 years. If we are to reset our country, this is the basic reset we must do at the community level. Providing clean and safe drinking water is where it starts,” said Michael Kumung, Deputy Secretary for the Department of National Planning and Monitoring. This project is part of a wider UNICEF–KOICA regional initiative, launched in May 2024 with a grant of nearly US$25 million. The regional program aims to enhance climate-smart infrastructure and services across Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, and select African countries. In Kemabolo, the initiative includes: · A solar-powered water supply system for all households, schools, and health centers · Solarization of a school block to serve as a climate information hub · Rehabilitation of the local aid post to ensure essential health services With strong collaboration between local leaders, development partners, and the community, Kemabolo is poised to become a model of climate resilience in rural Papua New Guinea. “This is not just a campaign — let it be a turning point for the children of Papua New Guinea,” said Mendonca.