A 300,000-litre water tank was officially launched yesterday in the Mele area, providing access to clean water for the entire Mele village community.

The official completion ceremony of the first phase of the Mele water system rehabilitation took place yesterday.

The Minister for Lands, Hon. Marco Mahe, and the Minister for Climate Change, Hon. Ralph Regenvanu, officially opened the tank valve in the presence of Mele’s paramount chief and government donor partners, including UNICEF.

This achievement follows many challenges faced by the large community, which has experienced water shortages for many years.

The situation worsened after the earthquake destroyed the two main supply tanks, forcing community members to rely heavily on rivers, rainwater and groundwater, which also contributed to increased illness and daily hardships.

Today, after many years and months, the people of Mele village officially witnessed the completion of the 300,000-litre water tank, now ready to serve the community.

Minister responsible for water, Marco Mahe, urged the Mele community to take good care of the water system.

Minister for Climate Change, Ralph Regenvanu, said what Mele village witnessed today is a major achievement.

Minister Mahe also emphasized that water is a basic right.

The Paramount Chief of Mele village, Chief Poilapa, praised the government and donor partners for the achievement, saying Mele village will benefit from it tomorrow, and extended his gratitude to the Department of Water Resources, UNICEF and the Mele community.