Sam Gomoga (L) a local representative and Mr Vira OTDF CEO (R)  with a traditional handshake mark the launch of the project, looking on are the Mutam community and staff from OTML and OTDF.

Official launching of the Mutam Village Bore Water Project on 05 November 2024 marks a significant step toward improving access to clean water in the remote South Fly Delta region of Western Province.

Designed to benefit local communities, this initiative is the first of several major bore water installations planned for the mine impact communities in the Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) region.

The newly installed bore pump is set to serve an immediate population of 470 residents, with an additional 1,500 people from nearby villages expected to benefit from the improved water supply. The project is part of a larger effort to address water scarcity and to improve living conditions for the people of the Dudi Trust region in Delta Fly, an area faced with limited access to clean water due to its geographical challenges.

The Mutam Village Bore Water Project is a collaboration between Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) and the people of Dudi Trust region. It aims to provide the villagers and surrounding communities in the area with a reliable source of fresh water, significantly reduce the distance people need to travel to collect water, and minimize the risks of waterborne diseases.

Mr. Havini Vira, the CEO of OTDF, expressed the importance of community ownership in ensuring the sustainability of the Bore Water Project. He encouraged the community take ownership of the project to ensure water sources are properly maintained and protected and to promote hygiene, and work together as a community to care for the infrastructure installed.

Mrs. Anna Sumai, President of the Dudi Women & Children Association, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to OTDF for the Bore Water Project. “On behalf of the women and children in Mutam, I want to thank OTDF for this significant step in improving our lives,” she said. “Access to clean water is not just a matter of convenience; it’s a matter of life and health. This project will help us reduce waterborne diseases and provide our children with a healthier future. We will do everything we can to make sure this project remains sustainable for many years.”

Michael Koini, OTDF WaSH Team Leader who has been instrumental in the project, reflected on its significance: “This is not just about providing water—it’s about changing lives. The Bore Water Project in Mutam is a symbol of what happens when communities come together to make positive changes. It’s about giving people the tools to improve their own health and environment, and we hope the example set here will spread to other communities across the region.”

The Bore Water Project in Mutam is an initiative by OTDF, in the South Fly region and is gradually moving into the Middle and North Fly districts. With each village that is reached.

 

 

OTDF Media