Students in Buzi Village, located in the Torres Strait along the coast in South Fly District, Western Province, now have access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene services, thanks to a newly constructed sanitation facility that is improving health and wellbeing outcomes for children and the wider school community.
Delivered under the PNG–Australia Partnership with World Vision as the implementing partner, the new facility responds to a community identified need for improved sanitation infrastructure to support student safety, dignity, and attendance. It will help to reduce the risk of waterborne disease and fosters a more inclusive and child friendly learning environment.
Prior to this installation, limited facilities posed health risks and created barriers for regular school participation, particularly for girls.
The sanitation facility was developed in partnership with the Buzi community, local leadership, and provincial authorities, reflecting a locally led approach to addressing needs.
Mr. Michael Asiri, Head Teacher, Buzi Primary School, said “In the recent past, the school’s toilets were built from bush materials, requiring constant maintenance and posing health risks. With the new toilet facility, it is a big improvement and a privilege for our students because it provides a safer, hygienic, and comfortable space for their use. I’d like to thank the PNG-Australia Partnership for bringing this vital development and opportunity into our school.”
The initiative demonstrates Australia’s commitment to delivering practical, community‑level outcomes that strengthen essential services in remote areas.
By investing in locally prioritised infrastructure and working through community systems, the PNG–Australia Partnership continues to support safer learning environments and healthier futures for children across Western Province. The project stands as a model of how collaborative efforts between communities, provincial authorities, and international partners can deliver lasting change.
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Demonstration of proper hand-washing by a student at Buzi Primary School.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100