After more than twenty years the 500 students at Buin secondary school in South Bougainville have access to water in the school grounds.
Prior to the initiation of the water supply project, students had to walk to the nearest river located three kilometres from the school.
South Bougainville Region commissioner, Joe Lera, said the project was needed because students faced hardships in having access to clean and safe water.
“I also noted it was quite unsafe for the students, especially female students, when walking all the way to the Sigabai River”, Mr Lera said.
The K300, 000 project was given to Bougainville Technical Services to design while construction was done by Korikunu Builders.
Since the inception of the project in 2006 there have been problems associated with theft and delays in obtaining building materials.
“After several delays I am happy to say that the project is now fully operational”, said Mr Lera.
He also that the installation of water tanks is the first phase of an ongoing initiative that will see water pumped to the whole school campus.
Presently the water is only being pumped to student residential areas.
The second phase of the project will see water pumped to staff houses and the student mess and the building of proper ablution areas.
Mr Lera said that due to financial constraints the second phase may take time but made a commitment to the completion of the project.
He urged the staff and students of Buin Secondary School as well as the Buin people to look after the project and to maintain its sustainability.
Anthony Kaybing is a
journalism student at Divine Word University who has been working with New Dawn
FM
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