Villages in Niuafo‘ou will receive new water tanks under a project to improve rainwater harvesting that was launched on 16 August.

Sixty three water tanks will be installed by the Niuafo’ou Water Supply Improvements Project, funded by the New Zealand and Tonga Governments as well as The Tindall Foundation.

Each tank holds 13,000 litres ot water.

New Zealand High Commissioner HE Tiffany Babington visited the island with MEIDECC CEO Paula Ma’u, to launch the project.

“The project will help reduce the risk of water scarcity in vulnerable communities. It also strengthens the partnership between New Zealand and Tonga on climate change resilience and adaptation,” she said.

New Zealand contributed approximately TOP$790,000 (NZ$500,000) and The Tindall Foundation contributed NZ$65,000 to the project which will be implemented by MEIDECC. New Zealand’s contribution will also support community management and maintenance training and support, including the establishment of a Niuafo’ou Water Committee.

Minister for MEIDECC, Hon Poasi Tei acknowledged the support from New Zealand and the Tindall Foundation to the Niuafo'ou communities.

“These people suffer from water shortages especially during drought periods. This support will ensure sustainable access of these people to sufficient, safe and good quality of water, building their resilience to future impacts of climate change.”

Sir Stephen Tindall of the Tindall Foundation said the initiative to improve access to drinking water for the Niuafo’ou people was a good example of a project designed to promote more resilient communities and improve the livelihoods of families.

Niuafo’ou is Tonga’s most northern island, situated 574 kilometres north of Tongatapu.