Kiunga, Western Province: A recent outreach mission by the Catholic Bishops Conference (CBC) Migrants and Refugees Desk has brought much-needed attention to the issue of water scarcity in the East Awin Refugee Camp. The mission, led by CBC Migrants and Refugees Desk officer Mr. Ephraim Bavi, was part of preparations for few projects aimed at improving water access for the West Papuan refugee communities in the region next year.
Mr. Bavi was sent to Kiunga Diocese to assess the project site and evaluate the water access situation within the camp. He shared valuable insights into the challenges facing refugees, particularly the lack of clean drinking water.
The primary goal of the outreach mission was to identify communities within the camp that do not have access to safe, clean water. According to Mr. Bavi, only a few small groups currently have access to water tanks, while others are forced to walk long distances to collect water. Vulnerable groups, such as women, children, and the elderly, are especially impacted by the water scarcity.
“The scoping was aimed at identifying the communities with the greatest need for water and ensuring that these areas receive the necessary support,” Mr. Bavi explained.
The CBC team worked closely with local leaders, including the Iowara Parish Priest Fr Andrew Moses and youth representatives to facilitate smooth engagement with the refugee community. These established relationships proved essential for building trust and gathering information. The team also received substantial logistical support from the Daru Kiunga Diocese, which provided transportation and accommodation, ensuring that the mission could proceed smoothly.
The CBC Migrants and Refugees Desk’s larger initiative includes installing water tanks in the areas most affected by the water shortage. These tanks will provide reliable access to clean drinking water, especially during the rainy season when natural water sources like wells and streams become contaminated. The water tanks will also reduce the burden on vulnerable groups, who currently have to travel long distances to collect water.
“The installation of water tanks will provide a lasting solution to the water scarcity issue and significantly improve the living conditions of refugees in the camp,” Mr. Bavi said. “Access to clean water will reduce the risks associated to using contaminated natural sources and ease the burden on the vulnerable groups.”
One of the key takeaways from the mission was the importance of clear communication with the refugee community. Given the community’s history of unmet promises from other organizations, Mr. Bavi emphasized the need for honesty and transparency. Speaking on behalf of Migrants and Refugees Desk Director Mr Jason Siwat, Mr Bavi made it clear that the visit was to assess the water needs of the camp and gather information for future support, rather than to deliver immediate aid.
“We are cautious about raising false hopes. The refugees have been promised help before, but many of those promises have not been fulfilled,” Mr. Bavi explained. “We want to build trust and let the community know that we are committed to working with them, but we cannot promise immediate results.”
The CBC Migrants and Refugees Desk remains committed to advocating for the needs of displaced populations and plans to continue working with local leaders and stakeholders to implement the water tank project. Once completed, the project will provide a sustainable solution to water access challenges in the East Awin Refugee Camp.
“We are dedicated to helping these vulnerable communities, and the water tank project is just the beginning of a broader effort to improve their living conditions,” concluded Mr. Bavi
This scoping visit marks an important step toward addressing one of the most pressing issues faced by the refugee community – that is access to safe and clean drinking water.
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