Residents open taps to hygienic water supply.
RESIDENTS of Lau settlement in Ra now have access to safe drinking water after the opening of a hygienic water supply and sanitation system in the area.
The new system was made possible through the assistance of the Rotary Pacific Water project which was funded by VaiWai, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Pleass Global Ltd marketing director Cate Pleass and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints country welfare manager Frank Stanford officially commissioned the new water supply system on Monday.
Prior to the new water supply system, Lau residents trekked daily to wash clothes and collect water in barrels from the Wainibuka River.
"Community water security is now ensured by a gravity feed system that brings water direct to people’s homes," a statement from Rotary Pacific Water said.
"This consists of a five-metre concrete dam, a 10,000 litre storage tank and tap stands near the houses.
"A backup 10,000 litre tank was also installed to ensure continued water supply in times of natural disaster and drought.
"To provide safe potable water, a slow sand filtration unit has been installed on each of the 10,000 litre tanks."
Two new flush toilets with off-set double pits were also constructed to provide settlers with better sanitation for improved health and wellbeing.