RESIDENTS of Johotegave community of Kafentina Local Level Government (LLG) in Henganofi, Eastern Highlands Province are calling on their MP Robert Atiafa and the LLG president to urgently fund repairs to the community’s aging water supply system, which also serves Hebanofi Primary School.
Ancy Huhune, the current Woman’s Council Treasurer and Community advocate said prolonged dry conditions associated with El Niño have worsened the water crisis, leaving the school and many households struggling to access clean water.
Mrs Huhune said the water supply system was installed by the European Union in the 1970s but has been deteriorating for years and has not functioned properly for about a decade.
“We are appealing to Henganofi MP Hon. Robert Atiafa and our LLG president to assist us with plumbing materials and funding to rehabilitate the damaged water system,” she said.
While waiting for government support, Mrs Huhune has mobilized community members to clean and improve drainage around the only remaining water well serving Johotegave to ensure residents continue to have access to safe water.
George Konou, Headteacher of Hebanofi Primary School said the water shortage has affected more than 400 students, teachers and their families.
“The school’s stored rainwater has run out because of the prolonged dry weather, forcing the school to operate half-day classes for the past three weeks,” Mr Konou said.
He added that restoring the community water supply was critical to ensuring students could return to normal classes and improving the health and wellbeing of the wider community.
Community leaders have renewed their appeal to government authorities to provide the plumbing materials and funding needed to restore the aging water system, while stating that reliable access to clean water is essential for education, public health and community development.