On Wednesday December 4, 2024, His Excellency President Surangel Whipps, Jr. signed the National Water Policy, a historic step towards ensuring the sustainable management of water resources and improving access to clean water and sanitation services. The Policy is a comprehensive framework designed to address the growing challenges of water security, climate change and equitable service delivery.
The development of the National Water Policy successfully brought together stakeholders divided into two specialized committees. One focused on Water Resources Management, while the other addressed Water Supply and Sanitation. This innovative approach culminated in a unified and comprehensive National Water Policy that balances the needs of both domains.
The Water Resources Management Committee concentrated on sustainable utilization, protection, and governance of water resources. Their work emphasized integrated water resources management, climate resilience, and ecological preservation. The Water Supply and Sanitation Committee focused on ensuring universal access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene services, with particular attention to underserved and vulnerable communities. They prioritized solutions for improving infrastructure, enhancing service delivery, and promoting public health outcomes.
Through extensive consultations, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative discussions, both committees produced detailed policies addressing their respective mandates. The drafts were then harmonized to create a comprehensive National Water Policy, incorporating the strengths of both perspectives and ensuring alignment with national development goals.
PPUC would like to thank the National Government for their assistance and support towards this project as well as all our partners and stakeholders involved including the Palau Energy and Water Administration, Ministry of Finance, World Bank, Bureau of Environment-MAFE, Division of Environment Health-MHHS, Environmental Quality Protection Board, Office of PALARIS, Palau Conservation Society, Palau International Coral Reef Center, National Emergency Management Office, Chamber of Commerce, and the Governors Association.