New water tanks for Niuafo‘ou [1]
Wednesday, January 20, 2016 - 17:49. Updated on Thursday, January 21, 2016 - 17:20.
The first 60 of 115 new water tanks were shipped today to Niuafo'ou by Tonga Red Cross to help people with their water storage during the current drought alert.
Sione Taumoefolau TRCS Secretary-General said the 5000 litre tanks will be given to each household on the remote outer island.
He said after the drought alert last year during the current El Nino, they decided to assist the people of Niuafoou who are always the most vulnerable during drought.
"We sought funding from various donors to supply 115 tanks, going to each household.The tanks cost around $300,000 pa’anga funded by New Zealand aid, Chinese aid and the Swiss Government.
Sione said the remaining 55 water tanks would be shipped to the island next month.