Temotu Tsunami Two Years On: World Vision continues community recovery support

Two years after an 8.0 magnitude earthquake generated a tsunami that swept through the Solomon Islands’ remotest area, World Vision continues to assist people in the most affected communities. 

World Vision has since implemented relief and long term recovery projects to help families get their lives back to normal. Most projects, including a Child Friendly Space, Emergency Radio project and Nutrition project have been completed, with a Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene project still continuing.

Since February 2013, World Vision has helped more than 10,000 people via its Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) projects on Santa Cruz Island in the eastern province of Temotu. 

Through the WASH project, World Vision installed rain catchment water tanks, and repaired and constructed gravity fed water supply systems for 34 communities including schools. It constructed pour flush toilets for five primary schools, septic systems for two secondary schools, and pit latrines for the rest of the communities. Some 29 water tanks of various sizes were installed in the communities.

Beth Mena of Nea village said that her community is now living the normal life they had before the tsunami. “The assistance by World Vision and other organisations has really helped us to recover quickly from the ordeal we had,” said Beth. “We are so thankful for the water that is now available here and our school also has new toilets for our children to use.”

World Vision Temotu WASH Project Co-ordinator, Sam Osikana said the project has helped 2,164 people. Sam says the project has enabled children and families to access safe drinking water and proper sanitation in their communities.

“I am happy to see that communities have put so much effort in helping to ensure that they have clean and safe water,” said Sam.

The two-year WASH project was funded by European Union and UNICEF, who generously gave approximately USD $660,000 to implement the project in 26 communities and eight schools. The project will be completed in April 2015.

“Rehabilitation work will finish up in April 2015, with the completion of the WASH project. However, long-term development projects will continue in the province, with World Vision’s commitment to the people of Temotu spanning at least 15 years,” said Mr. Janes Ginting, Country Director, World Vision Solomon Islands.