A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Water PNG Limited and Hiri Koiari District Development Authority (DDA) on Thursday 23 March 2023 to pave way for Water PNG to provide technical assistance to Hiri Koiari Water Supply projects to commence in the electorate.

Present to sign the MOU were the Chairman of Water PNG Limited, Ambassador Aiwa Olmi, management of Water PNG Limited, Chief Executive Officer of Hiri Koiari DDA and staff of the DDA. The historic event was witnessed by Minister for State Enterprise Hon.  William Duma and Member for Hiri- Koiari Electorate, Hon. Keith Iduhu.

The MoU paves the way for Water PNG to provide technical assistance to the Hiri Koiari District through technical assessments, feasibility studies and review of technical documentation.

Minister Duma commended the Member for Hiri- Koiari, Hon. Keith Iduhu for taking the initiative and assured him of the National Government’s commitment to ensure Motu Koitabu communities within his electorate receive water.

"The indigenous people of Hiri Koiari and the Central Province have made sacrifices for the betterment of the capital city of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby. They are the traditional owners of the land on which the city is built and continuously expanding. "

“Central Province hosts the National Capital District and the Sirinumu Dam where PNG Power and Water PNG draws water to generate power and to supply water to the city. “

"It is appropriate the Government gives them the support they need." He said.

The Minister said Water PNG duty to the local indigenous people will be accorded due priority and the MoU will foster Water PNG partnership with the Hiri Koiari DDA to materialize the development needs of the district.

He also urged Water PNG management to have a definite plan to give a face lift to the current aging water infrastructure.

Mr. Iduhu expressed his gratitude to Minister Duma, board & management of Water PNG of progress made on the water project.

"I must thank our honourable Minister William Duma for the support and the Water PNG management to ensure the MoU is signed as a first step forward in formalising our plan to roll out Water for all communities in Hiri Koiari district." He said

Water PNG Chairman Amb. Aiwa Olmi also thanked the Member for Hiri Koiari for his leadership and commitment he has undertaken to extend water services into Central Province.

"Hiri-Koiari project will serve as an example for other similar projects that Water PNG will embark on in the future!"

Mr. Olmi urged Water PNG executives and staff to be innovative when putting together plans for local water projects which utilize DSIP/PSIP funds so that those plans and costings can be easily accessed for decision making purposes.

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Mr. Bernard Thomas
Officer In Charge