GOVERNMENT through Temotu Pele in the Reef Islands in Temotu Province is committed to making sure communities and people of the constituency access fresh and drinkable water at their doorsteps.
This is made possible through the national government Constituency Development Fund (CDF) programme administered by the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) and implemented by constituency offices.
“Water project is one of our constituency priorities since Honourable Minister Duddley Kopu was elected to the national parliament,” Constituency Project Officer (CPO) John Knox said.
“We have clean and natural fresh water sources but our people have to walk long distances to access those water sources for household consumption. So, to address that we have to support our people by funding water projects for our communities.
“These water projects are quite challenging because the water sources are not straight running sources/waters but they are natural wells. So, each project has to have its own generator, water pump, feeder gravity tanks, 800 watts solar panels and pipe connections to reach communities. Also, we have to hire a private engineer to assess and do installation but it is for a worthy course since it is for the betterment of our very own people to improve their livelihoods.”
MRD team led by the Permanent Secretary Dr. Samson Viulu had the opportunity to have visited at least six natural water sources that the constituency is utilizing for the water projects.
From the eight communities visited the MRD team observed that water project for Nyialo village and nearby communities is about to complete while, Nopali village and other nearby villages already accessed their water supply.
Nymoa village and nearby communities already accessed their water supply since 2016 including Nivale community water project since 2018. Laro and the other neighbouring communities also have water supply but needs water pump replacement which they are now working on replacing it.
Walter Kuligi of Nyialo village said he is happy for the great support that the government through their constituency continue to render especially by funding their water project that is soon to be completed.
He said for so long villagers have to walk long distance to collect water and most of the times depend on rain water stored in storage tanks for daily household use. “Now that our water project is on the way and soon to be completed, we cannot wait for that day that we will turn-on our tubes and get fresh water at our very own doorsteps.”
Mr. Kuligi then acknowledged government for the CDF programme support through their constituency and at the same time calls on the government to continue with the CDF because it is the only support that reach and touches rural lives.
Mathew Maake of Nopali village shared the same sentiments.
“Before, we have to walk distances to fetch water. But since government through our Member of Parliament Duddley Kopu funded this water project, it makes our life easier now. Thank you, government, for the generous support through the CDF programme,” Maake said.
“Previously our mothers and children have to travel distances to collect water but with the support of our government through our current MP, one of our main struggles and needs is now over,” Chief Eric Peniopu of Nopali village attested.
Lomlom Island alone has six existing water supply projects funded through CDF by the current MP Kopu, all sourced from natural fresh water wells and consist of 800W solar powered water pumps that pump to a 5000L water tank which then feeds the nearby villages, sitting one to two kilometres away from the source. .
Honourable Duddley Kopu who is the Minister for MRD is the current Member of Parliament for Temotu Pele Constituency. He was elected to the national parliament after he successfully contested and won TPC seat on 19th November, 2014 in a national by-election.
-MRD Press Release
