Mugumapu Village in Ialibu, Southern Highlands Province, is benefiting from improved access to safe and reliable water following the installation of two 5,000-litre water tanks funded through the CPL Foundation Small Grants Scheme.
The project, completed through a grant awarded by CPL Foundation Inc. in 2023, has provided a sustainable solution to one of the community’s most pressing needs. The tanks, supplied with complete installation kits, are helping families access water for drinking, cooking, and household use while reducing the time and effort previously spent travelling long distances to collect water.
As communities across Papua New Guinea continue to face the effects of El Niño and prolonged dry weather conditions, access to reliable water sources remains a critical challenge. For many rural and semi-urban communities, water storage infrastructure has become an essential lifeline.
Established in 2023, the CPL Foundation Small Grants Scheme is an annual employee-led initiative designed to empower CPL Group employees to identify and deliver meaningful community development projects in underserved areas across Papua New Guinea. Since its inception, the program has supported 11 projects across Central, Southern Highlands, Madang, Jiwaka and Western Highlands provinces, with a strong focus on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) and health-related initiatives.
The Scheme enables employees to transform their commitment to community service into practical projects that improve the quality of life for vulnerable communities. While some projects approved in 2024 extended into 2025 due to implementation challenges, strengthened project management processes have enhanced delivery outcomes. All 2026 grant recipients have now received support, with their projects either completed or nearing completion.
The Mugumapu Village water project is one example of how employee-led initiatives can deliver meaningful and lasting impact at the community level, improving health, wellbeing and resilience for families.
“It’s a life-changing project for the community. The water tanks have brought great relief, and the people are forever grateful for the support received.”
– Iso Pando, CPL Foundation Small Grants Scheme Recipient
What began as a simple community project has become a long-term investment in the wellbeing of the people of Mugumapu Village, ensuring access to safer water and strengthening the community’s resilience in the face of ongoing environmental challenges.
Through the Small Grants Scheme, CPL Foundation remains committed to supporting initiatives that empower communities, foster resilience and create lasting positive change across Papua New Guinea.
