Kerepua Village Water Supply Replacement Project
Original Abstract: Kerepua has a very rudimentary community water supply that was built in 1985 with money donated by the British High Commission. The construction of the system was shoddy, but it still functions today about 4 days out of the week. The water supply comes from a small spring on top of a mountain; the water quality is excellent, but high in mineral content. Due to calcification, all of our fixtures leak or are completely blocked. For this type of water delivery system to last 21 years in Vanuatu is unheard of, they usually end up mismanaged or sabotaged. The New Zealand High Commission has agreed to fund this project, however they have a 5000 USD funding limit, so we'll be a little short on money for things like hardware and reinforcement for the water tank, but the major expenses like the poly-pipe and cement are taken care of. The simple and low-tech design of this project will be easy to maintain and improve as needed over the years. I've evaluated the old water delivery system and have improved upon certain design flaws, the main issues to be addressed are: larger diameter poly-pipe to avoid blockage, an extra 5000 gallon water tank to be put in parallel with the existing tank (which is on it’s last legs), management decisions implemented by the Chief, namely a ten-meter buffer between the poly-pipe and gardens as well as a system of taxation for future maintenance and eventual replacement after 30 years.
Project Update: This project has been completed!!!!! I was in the village when the supplies arrived, and the actual construction was completed after my departure. 1700 meters of 32mm poly-pipe and 300 meters of 25mm of poly-pipe was laid, a 5000 gallon tank was constructed of cement and wire and joined in parallel with the existing tank to double our capacity. 9 new taps were put in and two showers, also a management plan and taxation system was established to maintain the water supply over time.
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