Port Moresby, 19 February 2025 — Representatives from the European Union, the European Investment Bank (EIB), and Papua New Guinea’s Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM) met today to finalize financing arrangements for the District Water Supply Project.
The meeting was led by Mrs. Maria Rojas, Senior Loan Officer at EIB Headquarters, with support from H.E. Jacques Fradin, EU Ambassador to PNG. Discussions centered on concluding negotiations for a concessional loan from the EIB alongside a grant from the EU to expand water services in underserved district towns across PNG.
A key focus was the urgent need to fast-track government approvals to enable timely project implementation and to prevent the EU grant from expiring.
DNPM Secretary Koney Samuel highlighted ongoing coordination with the Department of Treasury and EIB to streamline approval processes. He also emphasized exploring capacity-building initiatives to strengthen PNG officials’ ability to manage such projects effectively.
Water PNG Limited, the implementing agency for the project in partnership with EIB, was urged to complete all necessary preparations promptly to avoid implementation delays.
The project represents a significant step toward improving access to clean water services in PNG’s district towns, supporting broader development and public health goals.