Moerk Water is proud to begin 2019 by bringing clean water to where it is needed. In January, Moerk Water celebrated the opening of a new solar powered water purification system in East Cape Village, Papua New Guinea, with East Cape Village and the Administration of Alotau, Milne Bay. The system produces 1000 litres of safe drinking water per hour to meet the water needs of 800 villagers, the surrounding schools, a nearby health care centre and a local church, servicing approximately 2,000 people in total. I would like to acknowledge and thank Pastor Lote Naidy from Alotau and Matt Scott from YWAM Medical Ships who initiated the connection with East Cape Village.
Bringing clean water to where it is needed
Messages of Improved Access to Water from East Cape Primary School
“For many years, since the establishment of East Cape Primary School, water was the major problem. It caused the school to be closed many times. Students learning were destructed caused by water problem. Now the problem is solved by Moerk Water projects. We can now use the water for drinking, washing and cooking.”
– Milar Tovarova, Head Teacher of East Cape Primary School.
“Before the water was installed life was hard searching for water. We had only 1 functioning tank that helped both students and teachers with families so when it was long dry season we would look else where.. but now water is just available at our door steps..we can drink and cook at anytime.”
– Karen August, Teacher at East Cape Primary School
“Before when there was just one tank..it was quiet tough on us because at times the tank is locked and drinking water was a problem..but now at anytime of the day, we can have drinking water available without restriction…so we are enjoying the water.”
– Students of East Cape Primary School
East Cape PNG, Water Treatment System Opening Ceremony
Administrator Mr Lindsay Alesana, Moerk Water Business Director Barbara Brezger, Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Charles Abel MP, President Maramatana LLG Hon. James Rubeni (From left to right).
“Days like today is a blessing! … this is a small project, but it’s something good for us! And I’m glad it’s here at the school grounds, I’m glad it’s here next to a church and it’s next to our health centre.”
– Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Charles Abel MP
“It’s not just water coming up the ground, like the President said, it’s filtered water. It’s very pure…we can use this technology to make access to water and electricity and other things cheaper for us. So we use solar and this technology to clean our water.”
“And when they (tourists) come here, they want to buy water, we can sell them our clean, filtered, fresh East Cape water!”
– Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Charles Abel MP
“From the well you would not like to drink it, but at the end of it here, you will enjoy what you are drinking!”
– President Maramatana LLG Hon James Rubeni
Ensuring Moerk Solutions, are Long Term Solutions
Moerk Water Engineer, Daniel Wagler, worked with the community to complete the necessary steps to successfully provide water to the village. This included assembling the machine and installing the renewable energy supply.
Moerk’s unique business model for water provision, has provided women in the community with a new economic opportunity to sell the water. The income generated will secure sustained funds for future expenses such as operation, service, and maintenance.
The East Cape villagers are now equipped to operate, use and benefit from the Water Purification system independently.
“I am glad that one of the things we always worry about, is the maintenance and the sustainability, so it’s very important that we have some of our young people being trained to look after this machine.”
– Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Charles Abel MP
Barbara Brezger, Moerk Water, handing over certificates to trained daily operators, who will take care of the water purification system.
