7,000+ Mele residents reconnected to clean water after two-month struggle

The powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Mele on December 17, 2024, devastated the primary water supply system, leaving over 7,000 residents facing severe water shortages. Now, just two months after the disaster, the community has regained access to safe drinking and household water thanks to a $25,000 (approximately 3 million Vatu) donation from Rotary.

In the aftermath of the crisis, an emergency water supply plan was swiftly implemented, utilizing water trucks, storage bladders, and 20-liter containers to ensure that community residents had timely access to basic water needs following the earthquake.

In early January, a comprehensive plan was rapidly developed and approved by Village Chief Simon Poilapa, Mele Water Committee Chairman Michel Talawaki, and Janelle Cole and Cornelia Wylie from the Rotary Club of Port Vila. This plan included relocating two 10,000-liter polyethylene water tanks, activating a new underground borehole with a solar-powered pump, and laying 750 meters of polyethylene pipe to the women's shelter located near the community center on the main road.

The success of this project is attributed to the collaborative efforts of multiple organizations and community members. The Rotary Club of Port Vila, with support from Rotary District 9910, provided funding and oversight. Field Ready USAID offered technical assistance, with contributions from Tim Worsley and Kaveh Amena from its Fiji office, and Luke Johnston from its Vanuatu office. Furthermore, Daniel Wagler from Atoll Aqua oversaw the project, ensuring that all technical aspects were properly managed.

The Mele community played a crucial role in the reconstruction efforts. Residents of all ages helped to dig approximately 750 meters of pipeline trenches and construct concrete bases to support the 10,000-liter water tank at the borehole and another 10,000-liter tank at the Mama's center. Rotary members Carl Brent and Steve Roberts assisted with the final stages of the project, installing three taps on the new pipeline. These taps provide residents with convenient access to clean water, significantly improving the community's daily life.

On the afternoon of February 19, a completion celebration for the Rotary water, sanitation, and hygiene project was held at the Women's House. Rotary Club of Port Vila President Roly Mortimer cut the ribbon between the taps, marking the beginning of the flow of fresh, filtered water after a blessing by Father Jonathan. Subsequently, the community and Rotary members shared kava and a feast prepared by Sylvia Chilia, celebrating this significant achievement together.