The Melsisi water supply system on Pentecost Island was officially opened yesterday by the Prime Minister Hon Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas, alongside, Minister for Land and Natural Resources, Hon Rick Tchamako Mahe, Australia’s Head of the Office of the Pacific, Elizabeth Peak, Australia’s High Commissioner to Vanuatu, H.E. Max Willis with Vice President of
Penama Province, Hon Davidson Nakou and Chief Olivier Virekokon.
Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Salwai thanked Australia for the ongoing development support to Vanuatu to recover from recent cyclones. "It reflects the core concept of the government's national recovery framework of building back better to ensure sustainable and resilient infrastructure across the country."
Ms Peak also addressed the community and congratulated all those involved. "The project embodies so many of the good practices that characterise the Vanuatu-Australia development partnership, including delivering high quality infrastructure."
The system was built by a local company, employing local community members and will be maintained by members of the community who are successfully accredited with their Certificate 2 in Plumbing. This ensures the availability of skilled technicians to repair and maintain the system when needed.
The new water supply system was also built to be climate-resilient. The water tanks are secured with metal frames and the distribution lines are buried under the ground to protect them from extreme weather events and to keep the water cool and hygienic.
Source: Australian High Commission Vanuatu