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