Thirty-five 5000 litre water tanks have been donated for the 200 people living on the small island of ‘Atata, off Tongatapu, 

With the help of the Tonga Red Cross the water tanks were transported in small boats today, September 26.

The project that aimed to improve the accessibility of clean water, was funded with $80,000 pa’anga from the Canada Fund through its Wellington Office.

Tonga Red Cross said today people on this island experience a water crisis whenever there is drought or natural disaster, like Cyclone Gita earlier this year, highlighting the need to improve the islanders' accessibility to a safe and clean water source. Rainwater harvesting will help to eas water shortages.

The only means of transportation to the island was by small boats. The Community Disaster Committee helped to transport these water tanks assisted by Tonga Red Cross.

The project will include the installation of the tanks with guttering, onto platforms in each of  32 homes and a Government Primary School.

‘Atata is about 30 minute boat ride from Nuku’alofa.