Holistic approach needed to address water needs

Caption: Eda Ranu CEO Henry Mokono

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, March 23, 2014 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

IN his address to commemorate United Nations World Water Day held at the Dynasty Restaurant in Port Moresby, Eda Ranu Chief Executive Officer Henry Mokono, highlighted a collective approach by all was needed to address the issue of access to clean water.

The CEO emphasised the importance of partnership between members of parliament and affected communities with water providers like Eda Ranu and Water PNG to bring greater access to a greater number of people in the country.

“The task is huge, but we are committed and well equipped with highly educated and skilled human resources to deliver our service and meet our goals,” he said.

“It is true that demand for clean, safe portable drinking water is increasing while the supply is limited.”

“We as consumers have a vital role to play- we need to step out of our comfort zones and stop the blame game and take charge of our future, we need to be responsible of the services and the changes we want to see in our respective villages or communities.”

“It needs a holistic approach from the highest level of decision making to the grassroots level.”

He made reference to Eda Ranu’s partnerships with all MPs of the nation’s capital as an example of how effective a collective approach can achieve in a short time that have benefited villages and settlements in and around the city.

“Some villages and communities that have benefitted from these partnerships include Pari, Baruni, Tatana, Hanuabada, and Burns Peak, Segani, ATS, and Gorobe Settlements.”

“I challenge us to join hands and create partnerships to raise the standards of water services to our beautiful country,” Mokono said.