Baidowa villagers & development partners stand united after unveiling the billboard announcing the ODF status
Community members from Baidowa Village in the Suki Fly Gogo Trust Region in South Fly came together in a vibrant display of culture and unity to celebrate the village’s declaration as an Open Defecation Free (ODF) community under the Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) program.
The certification ceremony, held on 17 June 2026, was witnessed by representatives from the health workers, Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF), and members of the Baidowa community. The event was marked by traditional songs, dances, and role plays that highlighted the daily challenges communities once faced due to poor sanitation practices and the positive transformation that has taken place since the introduction of improved sanitation facilities.
Villagers of all ages participated in the celebrations, using drama and storytelling to depict the health risks associated with open defecation and the importance of maintaining proper hygiene standards. Through the performances, elders, women, youth and children demonstrated how collective action and behavioural change have contributed to creating a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone.
The declaration followed a successful verification process conducted by health authorities, confirming that every household in the village now has access to and uses improved sanitation facilities. A key component of the CLTS intervention was the construction and use of Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) latrines for individual households which falls in the last stages of the CLTS process from Pre – Triggering, Triggering and Post – Triggering. The completion of the VIP latrines served as one of the major indicators for achieving ODF status after all the stages are satisfactorily completed. A total of 53 Household has successfully completed their VIP latrines.
The certification documents were formally signed during the ceremony by representatives from the Western Provincial Health Authority and OTDF. OTDF Manager Program Services Sustainable, Moses Kalup, signed as a witness to the certification and congratulated the community on reaching the important milestone.
“This ceremony marks a new beginning for Baidowa,” Mr Kalup said.
“Let this celebration be a reminder that lasting change only comes when everyone works together. The sustainability of the ODF concept will continue when the community takes ownership and remains committed to maintaining the standards that have been achieved.”
Mr Kalup acknowledged the effort and commitment shown by the people of Baidowa throughout the process, describing the achievement as a reflection of strong community leadership and participation.
Baidowa has now become the fourth village within the Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) region to attain ODF status through the OTDF WaSH Program, demonstrating the growing impact of sanitation and hygiene initiatives across Western Province.
OTDF WaSH Program Team Leader Michale Koini said the achievement was the result of months of planning, community engagement and hard work by all stakeholders involved.
“Programs like this do not end with launchings or certifications,” the Team Leader said.
“From experience, projects do not get approved and implemented overnight. They require dedication, patience and strong community support. We thank the people of Baidowa for their commitment from start to finish.”
Mr. Koini encouraged the community to continue practising good sanitation and hygiene behaviours and to ensure future generations maintain the standards established through the program.
The celebration concluded with traditional feasting, cultural performances and messages of encouragement from community leaders, who pledged to safeguard the village’s ODF status and promote healthy living practices throughout the community.
For the people of Baidowa, the certification represents more than just improved sanitation infrastructure. It symbolises a shared commitment to protecting community health, preserving dignity and creating a cleaner environment for future generations.
With strong community ownership and ongoing support from health authorities and development partners, Baidowa is setting an example for other villages across the region to follow on their journey towards improved sanitation and healthier communities.
