Sausi WASH project in PNG Operational

ROTARY SAUSI WASH Global Grant  2013405  PROJECT NOW OPERATIONAL
Ian Cameron, Mitchelton RC & Wes Nichols Toowong RC
The Sausi  water sanitation & hygiene (WASH ) project in Madang Province in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is finally operational, after many challenges that have been resolved over the last five years by the project team.
Over 3,000 people now have access to a safe reliable drinking water supply.
 
 
SAUSI WASH GG 2013405  PROJECT OPERATIONAL
Ian Cameron, Mitchelton RC & Wes Nichols Toowong RC
The Sausi WASH project in Madang Province in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is finally operational, after many challenges that have been resolved over the last five years by the project team.
Over 3,000 people now have access to a safe reliable drinking water supply.
The initial site inspections at Sausi were completed in February 2019, and the feasibility of project subsequently proven.
The Sausi WASH GG2013405 project was approved by Rotary International in April 2021, with a budget of $US 76,827.00. The Host Club was RC Goroka, with RC Toowong as the International Club. The Rotary project local community partner was the Evangelical Brotherhood Church (EBC).
First Tranche of funding was transferred in July 2021.
The water sanitation and hygiene (WASH ) training commenced in July 2021 and the Groundbreaking ceremony was held in September 2021.  First materials were delivered to Sausi from Lae in September 2021.
In January 2023, K92 Mining contributed PNG K 57,0000 (AU$25,000) for the additional cost of materials and this saved the project. Orpah Peter is to be commended for securing the K92 Mining funding and she received a Paul Harris Fellow recognition for all of the work she put into the project and her ongoing support of RC Goroka.
Construction commenced in March 2022, and was completed in February 2024.
Some of the challenges for the delivery of the project have been as follows:
  • Covid-19 outbreak IN PNG
  • Covid-19 lockdowns of Provinces in PNG
  • Materials paid for where not collected from the warehouse
  • Major escalation of cost of outstanding materials
  • Delays in transporting materials to site
  • A number of deaths of villagers in Sausi affecting construction work progress
  • The tyranny of distance – it takes 6.5 hours to drive from Goroka to Sausi
  • Work-life choices causing a distraction from the focus on the project (electioneering, new job roles and focus on other projects)
We would like to thank all those Rotary Clubs and Districts who have contributed to the success of this project, and in particular Project Manager Osivo Ombuano, Goroka RC, Project Directors Wes Nichols, RC Toowong and Ian Cameron , RC Mitchelton.
The core project team was supported by AG Wendy Scholz, Orpah Peter, RC Goroka and John Onga , RC Mt. Hagen.
 
The official opening is expected to be held in June/ July 2024, combined with an audit of the project, by WASH Cadre Ian Cameron.
A group of men standing next to a water fountainDescription automatically generated
 
Intake Weir at the Gaiko Spring Source
 
A child in a skirt holding a water pumpDescription automatically generated
Tap outlet in Sausi
A person and child standing next to each otherDescription automatically generated
Tap Outlet in Sausi