Did You Know?

In 2022, Papua New Guinea (PNG) was ranked as the ninth most beautiful country in the world by Forbes,

Papua New Guinea has over 850 languages spoken, and it holds the record for linguistic diversity, unmatched by any other country in the world. Often called the Land of the Unexpected, it is a vibrant tapestry of cultures, landscapes, and languages. Beyond its rich cultural heritage, PNG is also a land of groundbreaking innovation.

In August 2019, Papua New Guinea took an extraordinary leap forward by launching its first-ever national Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH) monitoring system, and chose to build it using the mWater platform.

What makes PNG's approach particularly noteworthy is its innovative use of mWater’s free features. This showcases how far a country can progress with proper focus and strategic implementation. PNG's success offers valuable lessons for other nations, demonstrating the transformative potential of cost-effective solutions when paired with strong commitment and vision.

This article takes a closer look at the development and implementation of PNG’s National WASH Monitoring System, with an in-depth exploration of the six-phase approach that made it a reality.

Scaling WASH monitoring in PNG has not been an easy task, with a population of over 10 million people all dispersed in remote rural areas with poor roads and infrastructure and alarming statistics. Despite the challenges, the WaSH program management unit (WaSH PMU) has spent the last 3 years making significant progress in developing PNG’s first WaSH M&E system:

Globally, PNG has some of the lowest access rates to basic water and sanitation facilities. Nationally, only 43% of the population has access to safe water (i.e., 41% at least basic service and 2% limited service), and 15% of the population has access to improved sanitation facilities. Open defecation remains a key challenge. In fact, according to the Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP) Report 2019, households in PNG have the least access to a safe water supply globally.

Working with partners, the PNG Government under the PNG’s Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM) led efforts to design a strong government-led WaSH monitoring system driven by the six-phase approach. These efforts include strengthening the WASH policy, the highlight of which entailed developing the National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) Policy 2015-2030 and the Policy and Standards for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) in Schools 2018-2023.

Within DNPM at the national level, the WASH program management unit (WASH PMU) is responsible for tracking progress toward Papua New Guinea’s development agenda and reporting at the policy level. At the subnational level, WaSH service delivery is undertaken by various stakeholders, including the government, civil society, church groups, and the private sector.

The DNPM WaSH PMU has developed the national WaSH monitoring system composed of these four components at the national level:

National WaSH M&E framework
WaSH sector results framework / Indicators
National WaSH MIS (digital platform)
National Monitoring Manual linking to WaSH MIS

The Six-Phase Approach to Developing PNG’s WASH Monitoring System

Phase 1: Consultation and Documentation

The foundation for the WaSH monitoring system was laid through extensive consultations and documentation of existing WaSH data gaps and monitoring needs.

Ms Clara Momoi (WASH PMU) undertaking M&E Mapping August 2017 (Source: Tim Davis / WaterAid)

Stakeholder Engagement: Internal mapping with PMU facilitated by M&E Advisor were held with government agencies, NGOs, development partners, and technical experts to map existing WASH monitoring efforts and identify gaps.
Baseline Assessment: Subnational Mapping undertaken in Wewak District and Early assessments (e.g., by WaterAid and UNICEF in 2017) revealed that WASH sector monitoring was weak or emerging in most areas. Coordination had improved under the National WaSH Policy but remained insufficient at the subnational level, Significant investment and efforts were needed, particularly at the subnational level
Documentation: Findings and recommendations were documented in a short report, which was used to inform the M&E framework and M&E manual. It also laid the foundation for customization and institutionalization of MIS (Management Information System).

This phase set the stage for developing a comprehensive system that addressed local realities in alignment with national and international targets.

Phase 2: Establishing Indicators

Clear and actionable indicators were a cornerstone of the system. The focus was on defining what data needed to be collected and for what purposes

Data Needs Assessment: The DNPM worked with stakeholders to answer critical questions:

What decisions need to be made? At what level and by whom?
What type of data is required to inform those decisions?
Who collects and processes the data?

Indicator Development: Indicators were designed to monitor key WASH targets under PNG’s National WaSH Policy, the Medium-Term Development Plan 4 (MTDP4), and the SDGs.

Phase 3: Developing the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework

The framework was developed by the Department of National Planning and Monitoring with TA support from the World Bank concessional loan.

The framework is intended for central departments and agencies, provinces, districts, local-level governments, development partners, NGOs, and the private sector.

Specifically, the purpose of the framework is to

Provide the WaSH sector with clear, fit-for-purpose WaSH indicators with definitions.
Set out the processes, roles, and responsibilities for data collection, management, processing, and use of data.
Outline data storage and data access arrangements
Set out what needs to happen for WaSH to be effectively monitored and sound evidenced-based decisions to be made.

Collaboration: The framework was developed in coordination with key partners, including the National Department of Health (NDoH), National Department of Education (NDoE), Water PNG, and international NGOs

The framework outlines practical steps that DDA and LLG staff can take to build and strengthen WaSH M&E.

PNG WaSH Sector Results Framework — *The results framework provides the baseline status for key WaSH policy, MTDP4 and SDG indicators.*

Surveys and Tools: DNPM has developed four standard surveys that are linked to the national MIS. These include a rural community survey, a school survey, a health care facilities survey, and a project registration, finance, and progress tracking survey. All surveys are hosted on the mWater system, and all data is collected via the mWater Surveyor App.

a. Rural WASH Status: Community Survey; This survey provides foundational insights into WASH conditions in rural communities and guides decision-makers at district and local-level government (LLG) levels in prioritizing projects, planning, and budgeting.

Process: Conducted with community leaders, ward recorders, or ward councilors and involves a transect walk to inspect sanitation and hygiene coverage.

Relevance: Aggregated data feeds into the national MIS to monitor WASH coverage, helping track progress against national and SDG targets.

b. WASH in Schools Survey: This survey assesses school service levels and aligns with national and international WASH standards. It supports district development authorities (DDAs) and agencies in improving school WASH programs and integrating them into five-year plans.

Indicators: Linked to the National WASH in Schools standards, School Improvement Plan (SLIP), and SDG goals.

c. WASH in Health Care Facilities Survey: Tailored for healthcare facilities, this survey captures critical data to improve health-related WASH services. It assists in district-level planning and implementation of WASH projects for healthcare facilities.

d. Project Registration, Finance, and Progress Tracking Survey; This electronic survey tracks WASH projects from inception to implementation.

Functions:

Registers community, school, and healthcare WASH projects on the national MIS.
Tracks financial allocations and expenditures.

Requirement: Mandatory for agencies undertaking WASH service delivery to ensure government oversight and proper project registration.

Phase 4: ICT Integration and Piloting the MIS

The technological backbone of the system was the Management Information System (MIS), built on the mWater platform. DNPM continues to customize, evolve, and institutionalize the system across PNG for use by all stakeholders. Initially, four UNICEF/EU program districts and WaterAid (Wewak District) contributed data.

The national MIS is designed as a one-stop shop for WaSH information. Governments at national and subnational levels, as well as registered organisations, submit information to and extract information from the system. At the National level, DNPM produces summary reports every quarter based on real-time information within the MIS. The summary reports are used to show progress against national development targets within the National WaSH policy, MTDP IV, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

*Conceptual framework and core functions of the MIS.*

Pilot Implementation: Initially, the system was rolled out in four districts through programs supported by UNICEF, the EU, and WaterAid. Data from 2,060 rural communities, 1,017 schools, and 283 healthcare facilities were collected during this phase.

Handover to Government: In August 2019, the MIS was formally launched and handed over to the PNG Government, enabling wider adoption.

Accessing the National WASH MIS:

Organizations looking to contribute to the system must register and utilize the mWater platform; it's a free and accessible tool optimized for the country's needs.

The process begins with the mWater Surveyor App, which acts as the central hub for data collection, and the Portal, which is the data management side. The app is widely compatible with both Android and iOS devices, though it is particularly suited to Android phones and tablets, given their affordability and accessibility in Papua New Guinea. Using the app, users can access DNPM’s standardized survey forms and feed critical WASH data directly into the national MIS.

Organizations proceed to register their details on the platform. This involves setting up an account for the organization and for individual staff members who will be responsible for data collection and reporting. Registration ensures that every stakeholder involved in WASH service delivery has the appropriate access to the tools and resources necessary for their role.

Following registration, users gain access to the full suite of DNPM survey forms, including those for rural communities, schools, healthcare facilities, and project tracking. These tools are already integrated into the mWater platform, enabling data to be collected offline in remote locations and synchronized with the system once internet connectivity is restored.

What Can You Find in the MIS?

The MIS serves as a dynamic platform for real-time data visualization, analysis, and reporting. Designed to empower decision-makers at every level, the MIS is designed with a suite of interactive dashboards and reporting tools that provide invaluable insights into WASH service delivery across the country.

Active Dashboards with Real-Time Data

At the heart of the MIS are its active dashboards, which consolidate and display real-time data collected by partners nationwide. These dashboards are designed to offer a clear and up-to-date picture of WASH conditions, service delivery, and investment priorities, making them indispensable tools for planning and reporting.

Instant Reporting at a Click
The MIS simplifies reporting by enabling users to generate detailed, data-driven reports instantly.

A Centralized Data Ecosystem

The MIS houses a wealth of other tools and datasets, providing insights into school and healthcare facility WASH conditions, project progress tracking, and financial expenditures.

In essence, the MIS is not just a data repository—it is a powerful planning and reporting tool that drives actionable insights.

Phase 5: Capacity Building and Institutionalization

For the system to succeed, capacity building and institutional support were critical.

Training Programs: National and regional training-of-trainers (ToT) programs equipped government staff and partners with the skills to use the MIS effectively. Regional training program for public servants across the whole country was conducted

Sustained Funding: The DNPM allocated a K5 million budget to expand WASH planning in 13 additional districts (in addition to the current 15 districts)

Operational Guidelines: A WASH monitoring manual was developed to formalize processes and ensure consistency.

Overview of the National WASH MIS Manual

The National WASH MIS Manual is a comprehensive guide for organizations and individuals engaging with Papua New Guinea’s WASH Management Information System.

Designed to ensure consistency, accuracy, and ease of use, the manual provides step-by-step instructions for navigating the system and leveraging its tools to support evidence-based planning and decision-making. Find it here.

What the Manual Covers

1. Registering on the MIS

The manual walks users through the process of registering their organization or individual accounts on the MIS. This foundational step is essential for accessing survey tools, contributing data, and managing WASH projects effectively.

2. Registering New WASH Projects

It provides clear guidance on how to formally register new WASH projects with the Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM). This ensures all projects are logged in the system for better coordination, tracking, and alignment with national goals.

3. Utilizing Standard Data Collection Forms

Users are introduced to the standardized survey tools available for data collection in communities, schools, and healthcare facilities. The manual details how to use these forms through the mWater Surveyor App for electronic data collection or via paper-based methods where technology is unavailable.

4. Viewing and Managing Data

Step-by-step instructions on accessing and analyzing data within the MIS are provided. Users learn how to view real-time insights, monitor project progress, and ensure data quality for more accurate decision-making.

5. Extracting Data for Planning

Finally, the manual guides users through extracting data from the MIS for various planning levels—whether for individual projects or broader strategic initiatives. This capability allows users to develop data-driven WASH strategies, prioritize investments, and evaluate impact.

Phase 6: Sustaining Regular Monitoring

The final phase emphasized the long-term sustainability of the system.

Scaling Up: Efforts were made to expand the MIS to urban and peri-urban areas and integrate it with other sectors, such as health and education.
Encouraging Data Use: Decision-makers at all levels were encouraged to use MIS data for planning, resource allocation, and advocacy.
Ongoing Support: Regular updates, refresher training, and stakeholder engagement ensured the system remained responsive to evolving needs.

Ongoing Steps for Strengthening and Expanding the WaSH MIS

Customization of Fit-for-Purpose Features
The DNPM continuously customizes and enhances system functionalities, such as organizational management tools and data display features, to align with the specific needs of users and stakeholders.
Establishment and Strengthening of Core Systems and Processes
Efforts are ongoing to solidify the foundational systems and operational processes that support the WASH MIS, ensuring its reliability and efficiency for all users.
Provincial and District-Level Rollout
A Training of Trainers (ToT) model is being implemented across the country, in efforts to roll out the MIS at provincial and district levels in a structured and scalable manner.
Subnational Capacity-Building Programs
Capacity-building initiatives are in progress at the district level. These initiatives focus on equipping local governments and agencies with the skills to use the MIS effectively and fostering stronger links between the MIS and district-level planning processes.
Enhanced Coordination with Key Ministries
Collaboration with the National Department of Health (NDoH), National Department of Education (NDoE), and the Department of Provincial and Local Government Affairs (DPLGA) is being intensified to ensure alignment and integration of WASH initiatives.

District-Wide Data Collection
Comprehensive data collection activities are being conducted as part of district WASH planning processes. These initiatives involve both government agencies and partners such as NGOs and enumerators, ensuring the availability of high-quality, actionable data for decision-making.

Impact and the Road Ahead

The National WASH Monitoring System has enabled evidence-based planning, enhanced coordination across sectors, and strengthened accountability.

However, challenges remain. These include ensuring reliable internet access in remote districts, addressing capacity gaps at the subnational level, and securing sustained funding for monitoring activities.

Water, sanitation, and hygiene remain pivotal to PNG’s development agenda. Guided by the National WASH Policy 2015-2030, the nation aspires to ensure that 70% of the rural population has access to safe, convenient, and sustainable WaSH services by 2030. This vision is reinforced by the PNG Medium Term Development Plan IV 2023-2028 (MTDP IV), where WaSH services are a priority under Strategic Priority Area One (SPA-1) – Critical Infrastructure – and Deliberate Intervention Program Ten (DIPs-10).

By elevating WaSH as critical infrastructure, PNG is poised to accelerate investment in these essential services. The National Monitoring System is central to this journey, driving better evidence-based decision-making and ensuring accountability and performance across the sector. This system is more than a tool—it is a pathway to sustainable development and improved quality of life for communities across the nation. Check the MIS here.

In the first quarter of 2025, the MIS is being upgraded into an mWater Light Blue, a free-standing website owned and operated by the government and powered by the mWater tech stack.

For further details, please contact

WASH Technical Lead - tim.davis@wateraid.org.au

Mr. Benjamin Kiap – National M&E Officer