Western Province is piloting World Vision Papua New Guinea’s first Universal Service Coverage (USC) Place-Based Initiative (PBI), an evidence-driven approach aimed at ensuring every household in Oriomo-Bituri Local Level Government (LLG), South Fly District, has access to safe, reliable and sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services by 2028.
The initiative, led by World Vision Papua New Guinea, is designed to strengthen WASH systems through detailed community-level data collection and strong local leadership. It represents a coordinated effort to reshape how essential services are planned and delivered in one of the country’s most geographically challenging districts.
South Fly District Administrator Wasewa Saebi, who has been in the role for nine months, described the initiative as timely and necessary. He acknowledged the district’s vast and difficult terrain, scattered settlements, numerous river crossings and high transport costs, which have long hindered effective government service delivery.
“I have seen the commitment that World Vision brings to the communities it serves and it is truly inspiring,” Saebi said. “Your officers sleep in tents, move from village to village, collecting data and delivering training, even in places the government struggles to reach. That is why I am proud to support this Place-Based Initiative in Oriomo-Bituri LLG.”
He emphasised that partnership is essential to achieving universal coverage. “The government can only do so much. It requires technical support from partners like World Vision to bring services to people, even in the most remote parts of the country,” he said.
In February 2026, a key milestone was reached with the completion of an enumerators’ training workshop. Nine local enumerators were trained to collect accurate household-level data using digital tools, including the mWater survey application.
The training combined technical instruction with practical field exercises, ensuring participants understood both the mechanics and the importance of data collection in guiding future WASH planning and investment decisions.
Among the trainees was Cherisma Katam, a young mother taking part in such an initiative for the first time. She said the experience empowered her and highlighted the importance of women’s participation in community development.
“Many young women, especially mothers, stay at home because of household responsibilities and never get the chance to take part in opportunities like this,” she said. “Being here makes me feel empowered, and I hope it encourages other young women to step forward.”
Another participant, Kemrock Tom, said the introduction of real-time digital data collection would strengthen planning and decision-making, not only for Oriomo-Bituri LLG but potentially across the country.
What is unfolding in Oriomo-Bituri LLG is being described as more than just a pilot project. It is a model for inclusive, community-centred development in remote regions of Papua New Guinea.
Through baseline data collection, the initiative will identify households relying on unsafe water sources, families without access to toilets, and communities where hygiene practices remain limited. The findings will guide decisions on where to build new water points, strengthen sanitation efforts and focus hygiene promotion activities for maximum impact.
The goal is to achieve more than 90 percent WASH coverage in the LLG by 2028, supported by quarterly and annual benchmarking to track progress and update performance scorecards.
While stakeholders acknowledge that achieving Universal Service Coverage will require sustained commitment and collaboration, leaders in Western Province say the foundation has been laid.
With accurate data, strong partnerships and community ownership, the province is moving closer to a future where every household has access to safe water, proper sanitation and improved hygiene services.
