Busanim school gets water tanks, desks under Aus partnership
Busanim Elementary School in Ward 13 of the Wampar LLG, Huon Gulf, officially launched its completed Morobe Province Water Security Project on Wednesday.
The initiative is a collaborative partnership between the Morobe provincial administration and the Australian government, designed to strengthen administrative workflows and improve direct community service delivery.
Present to witness the launching ceremony were Morobe provincial program advisor and acting deputy provincial administrator for social services Keith Tangui, and Australian counselor for subnational, humanitarian, and accountability Craig Gillies.
They were joined by students, staff, and members of the surrounding Busanim community.
Under the project, which supplies water tanks and desks to local schools facing acute water shortages, Busanim Elementary School unveiled two new 9,000-liter water tanks, a brand-new school hall, and received 30 student desks.
Australian counselor Gillies said the initiative goes far beyond just providing clean water and furniture, stating it was an investment in the future of the students.
“Accessible clean water on school grounds means better support for health, hygiene, and everyday living," Gillies said. "The 30 new desks will encourage greater comfort and student participation. Together, these improvements will help students attend school more regularly and engage more actively in their learning.”
Morobe provincial program advisor Tangui urged the children, parents, and community leaders to take ownership of the new facilities.
“Water is vital to life; without it, living things cannot survive," he said. "Parents, community leaders, and students, you are very privileged to receive this. Please ensure you look after and maintain these assets.”
Tangui also commended the robust, ongoing partnership between the Morobe provincial government and Australia in delivering essential water infrastructure where it matters most.
“Through these strong connections with our neighboring country, we are privileged to receive impactful, people-to-people assistance exactly where it is needed most,” he said.