For the first time, Kade villagers on Koro Island have access to clean and safe drinking water.
And it was all thanks to funding from the European Union, Rotary Pacific Water for Life Foundation and co-financing by the Rural and Maritime Development Ministry, VaiWai Natural Artesian Waters and Latter-day Saints Charities.
Prior to the project, the villagers had to use sea and rain water for their washing, cooking, drinking and bathing.
The Rotary Pacific Water for Life Foundation said a village committee was established to co-ordinate, operate and maintain the water treatment plant.
Based on the principles of environmental sustainability, resource efficiency and circular economy – the new water treatment system was expected to bring about significant improvement in water quality to the Kade community.
The constructed slow sand filtration water treatment system used ecological purification methods to treat bacteria, faecal coliform and mineral contamination.
Rotary Pacific said the filtration method would also strengthen resilience within the village in addressing and adapting to the impacts of climate change.
Kade villager Jone Tawake said the provision of clean and safe water would make life easier for them.
“Before, the women had to wait for the tide to go and wash clothes, we had to boil rain water for our consumption, it was really hard,” he said.
“Waterborne diseases are also a major concern for us but this initiative will help us reduce those numbers.
“Now with taps in every household, life will be easier, we also feel safe and comfortable now that we have water in our own homes.”
The project was also expected to assist the Kade Village School as they would no longer have to pay for water carting.
