Mapelu and Fualu Villages Water Project

Mapelu and Fualu are 2 small neighboring villages. The area is growing and there is much room to continue to grow so more need for water is seen for the near future. Both villages have issues with not having enough water for their villages, even to the point at times of having no water at all. In the past, Mapelu and Fualu received water from Kahoua but that well no longer works because of the nearby gravel pit (10 meters from the well) going deeper and deeper so that it is now deeper than the water well. The water now runs into the gravel pit, and this has caused the pump to burn out. The pump was replaced twice but both burned out within 2 weeks. Mapelu now has a new site for the water system.

These villages are currently receiving water from a private source, but need to have their own source of water. It is great to see these neighboring villages work together for the common goal of a good water source for their communities. It is also good to have the partnership with Member of Parliament (MP) for a good portion of the project.

Mapelu is mostly widows and unemployed, and thus need financial assisstance for the new water system. Mapelu and Fualu have both requested help; they both obtained water from the above source before. We worked with the officers from Mapelu and Fualu to combine the projects together to create one system which they will share.














Funding has been secured from Hon. Poasi Mataele Tei, (Member of Parliament) and from the Council of Tongatapu Constituency to cover 70% of the funding --- drilling the bore hole, solar system, pumps, and tank. The villages contribution includes new pipes and fitting, shed, labor, and electricity lines. LDS Charities has been asked to provide materials for the tower. Villages will provide labor for construction of  the tower.

L-R: Tonga Fakatou Malu Fakatou Sione Taufa Lavei Taufa

Elder Inoke Kupu (Area Seventy) represented Latter-Day Saint Charities. Verna Tukuafu and Silongo Samani were also present. Also attending were Honorable Poasi Tei from MEIDEC and Member Parliament and representative from Mia and Global Enviroment Fund and town officers and people from Mapelu and Fualu.

When we work together in Love and unity we can expect Heaven's help. 
                                                    Linda K Burton

Vaini Ha'a Havea Lahi Block Water Restoration

Vaini is a large village which is divided into 3 districts. This request covers the Ha'a Havea Lahi Block, an area with about 15 families and the district hospital. The solar system was installed in 2013. The water pump failed 2 years ago, and since then they have had no water. The village has been purchasing water from Veitongo to supply the needs of the village and hospital, at a cost of $250/week. The village has used money received from the MP to purchase the water; this money is now nearly depleted. The village is requesting help in purchasing a pump so the system will function again.

Solar panel

The village water system uses solar power. The solar system has been checked by PAO Plumbing (who we have worked with on many projects), and it is working. 

The issues are the broken water pump, leaky tank, and tower in need of repair.

This project proposes:

• LDS Charities will purchase water pump,with Vaini Ha'a Havea Lahi block contributing 20%.
• Village will repair the tank.
• Village will repair the tower.

Cost of repair tank and tower is approximately $18,000 Tongan (approx 7700 US).

New tank on repaired stand

This project was approved. Vaini Water Committee repaired the tower. They had planned to repair the tank but before they could do so the tank literally burst. They had to purchase a new tank. The cost was $10,000 TON for a 27,000 L tank. The water chairman, Sione Lavulo, said after purchasing the tank and repairing the tower, they do not have any money left to satisfy the 20% they had agree to pay toward the water pump. We feel this small community of 15 families has contributed sufficiently toward alleviating their great water need and that the initial agreed upon 20% should be waived. This request was presented to the Pacific area presidency who approved the waiver. The project was begun.

The pump was installed by PAO Plumbing. The tank was placed on the repaired water tower. Water now flows to the village homes through pipes via gravity feed. There is now sufficient water to serve the community, including the Vaini District Hospital/Clinic.

“If we would claim to worship and follow the Master, must we not strive to emulate his life of service?”   Gordon B Hinckley

Nakolo Now has 24-Hour Water

The village of Nakolo has had ongoing water problems. They have had insufficient potable water for years. Nakolo often runs out of water such that families have NO water. Driving through Nakolo, we see children carrying water bottles to the LDS chapel to get water for cooking and other needs. At times when there is no water, the people sometimes bathe in the ocean.

The Ministry of Health in their letter states, "Inadequate water has caused a lot of problems including typhoid."


While trying to solve their problem themselves, the submersible pump was dropped down the borehole and was unable to be retrieved.

Lueni Huni brought this water issue to our attention back in December 2017. The bishop, the water committee chairman (who only speaks Tongan), and the stake president all came to our home to discuss LDS Charities helping the village solve their water needs. LDS Charities worked with Nakolo for about a year trying to come up with a solution for this problem.  At first, we were going to remove the blockage from the second borehole and use that borehole for a back up system as the old diesel engine was leaking to the point of no repair. The specialists we work with tried to remove the blockage in the borehole to no avail. The plan then had to be altered, as the existing second borehole was thus unable to be used. Drilling another borehole was proposed to the government who approved credit for drilling but the Ministry of Health vetoed a new borehole because it would be too close to the village and there could be seepage of outhouses into the new water supply. 

The government wants to get away from diesel pumps as they are bad for the environment. They want cleaner more environment friendly systems. We were unable to use solar, which was our first choice, because the borehole is over 200 feet deep. There was an electrical power source  near the pump. It was finally decided after much discussions with the Tongan Government, town officer and water committee that we would have to use electrical, which was the least favorite solution for the town officer and water committee chair but they did finally agree it was the only option.




Tonga Power installed another power pole closer to the borehole and PAO Plumbing installed the submersible electrical pump. The system was hooked up. The village now has water 24 hours a day.



When the electric system was installed, we walked through the Service Center. Bishop Mosese Hiliau stopped us and said, "I'm ALL SMILES. Nakolo now has water 24 hours a day!"

The handover was held after we came home to Canada. Pictures courtesy of Silongo Samani, country manager.

We Grow closer to the savior as we, out of pure love, serve others for him.                                                         Henry B Eyring