Voice, Choice, and Wash: A Household Survey of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene in a Port Moresby Settlement

Abstract

The Government of Papua New Guinea recognizes the need to improve WASH conditions and is working closely with the Asian Development Bank, its development partners, and the private sector to improve infrastructure and service delivery. Implementing effective, scalable initiatives in the water and sanitation sector requires a nuanced understanding of local conditions and community needs. However, collecting data in PNG’s settlements presents a unique set of challenges. There are practical, logistical, and security issues to overcome, and there is a lack of information regarding the population, services, and geography. Crucially, limited engagement with government and civil society organizations means that settlement populations have few opportunities to raise their concerns, and virtually no voice to advocate for improved services.