THE COCA-COLA FOUNDATION PROVIDES WORLD VISION PNG WITH USD75,000 TO HELP PROVIDE SAFE WATER FOLLOWING LANDSLIDE

Port Moresby, August 2024: Communities affected by the tragic landslide in the Mulitaka area in May will have better access to safe and hygienic water, due to a USD75,000 grant from The Coca‑Cola Foundation to World Vision Papua New Guinea. The Coca‑Cola Foundation (TCCF), is the global philanthropic arm of The Coca‑Cola Company (TCCC).

Access to safe and hygienic water has been identified as one of the most significant challenges affecting communities following the disaster - which saw several villages engulfed in rubble following the landslide.

The three-month project, to be undertaken by World Vision PNG, aims to rehabilitate water supply systems, including handwashing facilities, and support the distribution of jerry cans and hygiene kits to those affected. World Vision will also provide messaging promoting safe water, health, sanitation and hygiene practices to affected communities.

World Vision National Director, Chris Jensen, says an estimated 7,800 people were evacuated after the landslide amid concerns another will reoccur, given the instability of the surrounding land.

“Moving into a temporary living arrangement can often lead to overcrowding, with the associated risk of increased spread of communicable diseases. We will ensure that project beneficiaries have at least 15 litres of water daily and essential supplies for sanitation/ hygiene purposes, including menstruation hygiene management for women and girls,” he says.

Mr. Jensen says engaging with the beneficiaries themselves allows them to contribute to decisions related to water and hygiene arrangements. This ensures dignity, cultural knowledge and understanding as well as safety of the most vulnerable in the impacted families, in particular the children who have lost parents, female-headed households and those survivors with a disability.

This support ensures the resettled communities have their health protected by accessing safe water, sanitation and hygiene-enabling facilities.

“We would like to thank The Coca‑Cola Foundation for its generous support and also for showing those affected that people around the world care and have a huge amount of sympathy for their situation.”

In addition to The Coca‑Cola Foundation grant, Coca‑Cola PNG and Coca‑Cola Europacific Partners PNG also provided immediate support following the disaster, providing bottled water for those who have been impacted.

President of The Coca‑Cola Foundation, Carlos Pagoaga, said: “Our hearts go out to all affected by this terrible disaster. Securing access to clean, safe drinking water is imperative for these communities.”