Fundraising to tackle sanitation in Papua New Guinea

A combination of a fundraising and an engineering competition, Winnovators is a challenge that helps deliver WaterAid's goal of accessible and equitable water, sanitation and hygiene for all people.

WSP’s Winnovators team, Water Solutions People, took on addressing critical sanitation issues in Pari, a traditional village in Papua New Guinea. Pari relies on overhung toilets positioned above the sea, resulting in direct waste discharge into the ocean. This leads to contamination of coastal waters and subsequent waste washing up on the beach, posing a significant health risk to both residents and the environment.

Sebastian Kastner Lanjus, Graduate Engineer, says it has given him a chance to apply first principles engineering from the ground up.

Marcia Su, Graduate Engineer – Water, decided to take part as she was passionate to help communities in need.

"This program provided a unique opportunity to collaborate with others, develop innovative solutions, and contribute to sustainable water and sanitation projects. Additionally, I wanted to learn from other people in the field and be part of a meaningful cause that aligns with my values and professional aspirations." 

"Our solution is capable of capturing, containing and treating waste to ensure sustainable disposal practices. The philosophy of our solution is to be appropriate, sustainable and build opportunity while delivering on necessity," she says. 

But developing the solution isn’t the only thing Water Solutions People has been doing. Team members have also been working hard to fundraise. They blew past their original goal of $5,000, and their stretch goal of $8000 for a total of $20,891. 

Cynthia Tran, Graduate Process Engineer, Water Treatment says the goal was to raise funds to make a difference in Papua New Guinea's sanitation and hygiene challenges and to raise awareness of WaterAid’s impactful work, helping communities in Papua New Guinea live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives.

“What we raise is going to go to make our solution a reality. We also plan to bring in some of the values of Papua New Guinea, for example the spirit of Wantok or one talk cultural flow of sharing stories, learning from each other and helping others when they need it,” she says.

Want to help us improve sanitation in Papua New Guinea? Find out more about WaterAid. 

Water solutions

Water quality, availability and security are increasingly at risk, WSP helps reshape systems and strategies so communities can thrive