LocationsCeremonial Blessing of Flatpack Modular Tanks in Lib and Lae Communities Marks Major Milestone in the Marshall Islands’ Water Security
July 29, 2024
Lae community members at the Blessing ceremony on 1 July 2024.
Majuro, Marshall Islands - The Lib and Lae communities in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) have achieved a significant milestone with the back-to-back installations of Flatpack Modular Tanks (FMT) as part of Rainwater Harvesting Systems (RWHS). These efforts are a key component of the ongoing 'Addressing Climate Vulnerability in the Water Sector in the Republic of the Marshall Islands' (ACWA) Project, which aims to enhance water security and community resilience against climate change impacts.
The ACWA Project, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Office with the Marshall Islands Environmental Protection Authority (RMI EPA) as lead executive, is a seven-year initiative designed to build the capacity of the people of the RMI to implement water security measures. It is funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Australian Government, and the Government of the RMI.
Beyond installing water tanks in all neighboring 24 atolls and islands, the ACWA Project actively involves the community, especially women and youth, through comprehensive capacity-building trainings. These on-site trainings empower participants with vital insights into climate change, clean water availability, and gender equality, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility towards water safety and management practices.
UNDP Pacific Office Deputy Resident Representative in the North Pacific, Kevin Petrini, congratulated the ACWA Team, the Government of the RMI, and the communities for reaching this incredible milestone. “This is truly a remarkable achievement for everyone involved,” Mr. Petrini said in a statement. “We are blessed to have such a dedicated team, but more importantly, it is the unwavering support from the Government and the commitment from the communities that have made this possible.”
On 1 July, installation works commenced in the Lae community. A blessing ceremony was held, attended by local dignitaries and community members who also offered prayers for the volunteers participating in the installation. In his opening remarks, the Mayor of Lae, Telmong Kabua, expressed gratitude on behalf of Iroijlaplap Mike Kabua, Senator Thomas H. Heine, the Leadership of the Council for Lae Atoll, and the entire Lae Community.
“I would like to extend our thanks to the UNDP/ACWA Project, the Green Climate Fund, and the Government of the RMI, especially RMI EPA for this long-awaited project,” Mayor Kabua stated. “With climate change upon us, it is crucial to utilize such opportunities for mitigation and adaptation measures that will help us enhance our community’s resilience against its impact.”
Mayor Kabua congratulated the community for its dedication in seeing through the completion of the installations.
RMI EPA General Manager, Ms. Moriana Phillip, also echoed the positive progress of ACWA project implementation. “We are definitely on a roll! While it is a challenging project to mobilize across the country, with support from key pillars traditional leaders, national and local governments we are able to reach remote communities to deliver on the Government’s promise to make clean water accessible to the people,” Ms. Phillip remarked.
Mr Tuvuki Ketedromo, ACWA Water Governance Coordination Specialist/EPA Chief Water Quality Division providing oversight works in Lae.
Meanwhile, the Lib community celebrated the blessing of three 56,000-liter FMTs, marking the completion of this community endeavor. Four additional tanks (two 56-000-liter and two 34,000-liter-tanks) are likewise underway.
These tanks will serve as a vital water storage source for the community, representing the first infrastructure of its kind in Lib and a significant milestone for the atoll.
One of the three 56,000L Flat Pack Modular Tanks at the Lib christening ceremony.
The Honorable Mayor of Lib, Winlan Sheet, expressed deep appreciation on behalf of the Iroji, Alap, and the people of Lib Island, along with their Senator, Local Council, and Lib’s Women Club.
“We extend our warmest komoltata (gratitude) for the invaluable water catchment system constructed by UNDP’s ACWA Project and its donors,” Mayor Sheet remarked. “This initiative will undoubtedly have a profound and positive impact on our future generations. We deeply appreciate your firm support and commitment to sustainability and community welfare. The future of our small island has only grown brighter thanks to your generosity.”
For both communities, the ACWA Project selected the FMT for its RWHS works due to their durability, ease and speed of installation, high life expectancy, high-quality potable water features, and ease of transportability. Shipping large tanks to small communities in neighboring atolls and islands poses a significant challenge for other water tank types, as factory-fitted plastic tanks require offloading onto smaller boats due to the lack of wharf infrastructure. Flatpack tanks, however, can be dismantled for transportation and reassembled at the installation site.
The installation of these tanks in Lae and Lib are expected to provide long-term water security and enhance the resilience of these communities against climate change impacts. They are also a symbol of hard work and dedication from the project team, community members, and the Government towards realizing a resilient future for the wider RMI.
“UNDP and EPA, we will continue striving our efforts to hard-to-reach areas in all 24 neighboring Atolls and Islands working together with all hand-in-hand for sustainable access to clean and safe water throughout the years," ACWA Project Manager, Koji Kumamaru stated.
For more information please contact:
Koji Kumamaru | ACWA Project Manager |UNDP Pacific Office in the North Pacific | koji.kumamaru@undp.org
Related
content
content
