The National Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) program has allocated K250,000 each to Rabaul and Pomio Districts in East New Britain. These funds, supported by the Australian Government, are intended to boost WASH initiatives, with Rabaul recently concluding a 4-day training for data collection. Pomio District Administrator John Liskia expressed gratitude, noting that the funds will aid in developing vital infrastructure, including a new hospital in Pomio. The cheque presentation took place in Kokopo city, facilitated by the National WASH Program team in collaboration with the National Planning Department and Water Aid. These two districts are the first in the country to receive WASH funding from the national government. Mr. Liskia emphasized the importance of sustainability for future generations, especially as Pomio develops its township at Palmalmal and a Level 4 hospital. National WASH Program Coordinator Takale Tuna highlighted that the initiative began in March of the previous year with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in Port Moresby. Out of 92 districts nationwide, 20 have been included in the WASH rollout, with Rabaul and Pomio being the pioneers. The WASH Program is part of the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 4, targeting improvements in waterborne disease reduction, economic issues, and equity. The goal is to raise access to safe drinking water from 40% to 70% and improve sanitation from 30% to 60% in rural areas by 2027. ENB Provincial Administrator Levi Mano urged the districts to take ownership of the program, stressing the need for sustainability. He pointed out that the program aligns with key development plans, including the provincial SDP and district plans, and should be implemented at the ward level, with 382 wards in East New Britain. “The WASH program is one of the key result areas of plans such as the MTDP, the provincial SDP and the district plans. In ENB, we have the Ward Focus policy, so everything should be grounded at the wards” he said.