Water tanks for Tongan families
Above: Community members at Halamaui, Tonga, install a water tank at the church building. This improvement will mean that several households reduce the time taken to walk to collect water. Photo: Rev Mosese Holi/UnitingWorld
In Tonga, water security is a challenge for many. Some people living in remote communities walk more than a kilometre to collect water every day. Most cannot afford a water tank and are forced to pay for bottled water if there isn’t a suitable source of water nearby. People with disabilities, as well as their carers, are disproportionately affected.
The impact of Tropical Cyclone Harold, which hit Tonga in April 2020, and the health and economic challenges posed by COVID-19, highlighted the need to address water security for more families in Tonga. Through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership’s COVID-19 response, 20 new water tanks have been installed across Tongatapu, the country’s main island.
The Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga (FWCT), an implementing partner of the Church Agency Network Disaster Operations (CAN DO), led the installation of the tanks.
In the Kolomotu’a District, FWCT supported a widow, her son and his family with a water tank. This household is surrounded by five other families, and the tank was positioned so that all the families can access it.
“These families were so happy when they saw the water tank, knowing that we can all access drinking water. We have improved so much in our washing facilities and health awareness,” the woman said.
“We feel much safer if COVID-19 comes to Tonga.”
In Halamaui, another family supported by the water tank roll-out has been looking after a 37-year-old man with paralysis. The man is not related to the family, and is unable to walk, move or feed himself. Every day the family would cross large distances with bottles and buckets to collect water, even in heavy rain. The installation of a water tank has now made the care duties of the family easier.
“It is a big improvement and all are welcome to use this water tank,” one of the family members said.
A large communal tank at the church in Halamaui, replacing one destroyed by fire, is also supporting the broader community.
“It’s a great relief for the people of the congregation and this community,” a community member said. “When the water tank was destroyed, we walked further to get water. Today we feel much better, though we still need more tanks, this 10,000 litre tank is a great help. It is a huge improvement for the families in Halamaui.”
The tanks have also positively impacted a small community in the isolated bush area on the southern side of Tongatapu. This community is made up of approximately 55 people, including children and people with disabilities. The closest water supply for the community was 1.5 kilometres away in a nearby village. The community now has access to water close by.
Of the 20 water tanks provided to Tongan communities, eight were 10,000 litre tanks intended for communal buildings like churches and schools, and twelve were 5,000 litre tanks for identified households. The total cost was AUD $35,000. The team conducted preliminary assessments to determine which families and communities would benefit the most, prioritising those affected by disability, extreme hardship and Tropical Cyclone Harold. The team also ensured that there were no double-ups with Tongan Government-sponsored water schemes.
Through improving access to hygiene and clean water, the tanks are supporting COVID-19 prevention measures, as well as improving the quality of life for more than 1,000 Tongans who are now using them.