Locations
Most of Vanuatu's 83 islands are primarily accessible by boat, posing significant challenges for the development of community projects.
Nestled in the Shepherd Islands of Shefa Province, Vanuatu, Tongariki and Buninga communities lie between the larger islands of Epi and Efate. Like most of Vanuatu's 83 islands, they are primarily accessible by boat, posing significant challenges for the development of community projects.
While the ocean is the lifeblood of these communities, providing an abundance of food, it also presents one of their greatest challenges: the continuous struggle to access clean and safe drinking water due to saltwater intrusion from rising sea levels.
Collecting water has become a daily struggle for many living on these islands. Residents walk long distances on dirt roads in the scorching heat to fill containers with enough water to sustain their families. The water containers sometimes weigh over 20 kilograms, making the task particularly treacherous for the elderly and people living with disabilities.
The Department of Local Authorities (DLA) has been conducting community consultations and vulnerability assessments on Tongariki and Buninga islands in partnership with the Department of Water (DoW), the Department of Climate Change, supported by non-governmental organisations such as Oxfam and Peace Corps. These assessments confirmed the critical need for a sustainable rainwater harvesting system, which was carefully designed to meet the daily needs of 134 households—107 in Tongariki and 27 in Buninga.
There is a continuous struggle to access clean and safe drinking water due to saltwater intrusion from rising sea levels in many Vanuatu communities.
“This project originated from the islands Five-Year Area Council Development Plan, where our communities clearly voiced their need for a reliable rainwater harvesting system. Neither island has natural streams, and they rely heavily on rainwater," said Sebastian Bule, Principal Development Planning Officer, DLA.
Clifford Vusi, Manager Technical at DoW, said:
"The design was unique and very costly due to the geographical and environmental challenges as we have to ensure that this system is able to withstand rising sea levels, saltwater intrusion, and cyclones.
"To mitigate these risks, water storage tanks and catchment areas were placed at elevated locations to prevent contamination and maintain a consistent water flow, reducing the need for complex pumping systems. The design also includes reinforced structural features to ensure the tanks remain intact during severe cyclones, which are common in Vanuatu."
Water storage tanks are placed at elevated locations, but reaching these locations often takes hours of physically demanding work.
Mariana Charley, a single mother of three children who has been living in Tongariki all her life, shared her perspective as a member of the water committee, where she represents the women of the community.
“This is the first time I’ve been part of the water committee, and it’s been a meaningful experience for me—especially because I’m part of the first-ever water project for Tongariki. Being involved in the discussions gave me a sense of empowerment because I know I am voicing the needs of women and children. I also serve as a messenger, taking the committee’s deliberations back to the women, ensuring they are informed about how we will contribute to this project," she said.
Mariana Charley said that being involved in the discussions gave her a sense of empowerment.
Reflecting on the journey of this project, Area Administrator, Donald Firiam shared that the process to get to this point has been long and challenging.
“Keeping our chiefs and community members updated was no small feat. But when the materials arrived on our shores in early January this year, all the effort felt worthwhile. This mission has truly been a collective one, involving everyone, from the national and provincial governments to the water committee and our supporting NGOs. Our passion for this work, rooted in our dedication, has driven us forward," he said.
The project has received funding support from the UN Development Programme’s Governance for Resilient Development in the Pacific (Gov4Res) Project. This support was mobilised and channeled through the Vanuatu Ministry of Finance, supporting national systems that prioritise climate resilient, and risk-informed community development.
Looking ahead, Donald expressed hope for the future.
“I dream of the day when every household in Tongariki and Buninga can simply turn on a tap, and water will flow – no more walking long distances or carrying heavy loads. This project is just the beginning, we will continue to build on it. Water truly symbolises life, and for us, life revolves around working together as a community.
"Hemi wan nambawan project—yumi joinem hands mo wok tugeta—folem fasem we ikamaot lo heart blo yumi,” he said.
This project is a passion project – one where we join hands and work together, from the heart.
About Gov4Res
Gov4Res is delivered by the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji in partnership with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Korea International Cooperation Agency, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency and the United Kingdom’s Commonwealth, Foreign and Development Office.
