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