NZ funding for emergency water supplies
14-Jul-2009 10:04 AM

New Zealand will provide a grant of $FJD250,000 to Live & Learn Environmental Education to enable installation of rainwater collection and storage systems for 28 selected schools and emergency evacuation centres in the Nadi River basin and Sigatoka regions.

“New Zealand’s initial disaster response to the flooding earlier this year in Fiji had a strong focus on the provision of safe drinking water,” NZAID Manager Tom Wilson said.

“This remains a concern for many communities and NZAID’s contribution to Live & Learn will help ensure that there are systems in place to provide safe water in the case of future extreme weather events.

“New Zealand’s support for rain water collection and storage systems will improve the long term disaster preparedness of these communities.” said Doris Ravai, Country Manager, Live & Learn.

“New Zealand’s funding will also support Live & Learn in the development of safe water use and sanitation strategies for 28 schools in the flood affected areas. This is aimed at giving people in flood prone areas the knowledge to carry out safe water practices in the event of a natural disaster.

“Flooding is a frequent occurrence in Fiji and by providing sanitation and hygiene education in schools, this project will help to improve community resilience and preparedness.”
The funding announced last week is part of a NZ$3 million package of assistance managed by NZAID to support recovery work following this year’s floods.