Case Study: Improving Household Water Security and Climate Resilience in ‘Eua, Tonga

15 Dec Case Study: Improving Household Water Security and Climate Resilience in ‘Eua, Tonga

Background and Context

2021/05/21 – For decades, communities across ‘Eua Island have faced persistent challenges in accessing safe and reliable drinking water. Household water supply is primarily sourced from a natural spring that feeds the reticulated system. During periods of heavy rainfall, however, the spring becomes turbid, compromising water quality at the household level.

Previous interventions promoting rainwater harvesting systems achieved limited success. While infrastructure was provided, insufficient training on operation and maintenance resulted in system failures and gradual project degradation. As a result, many households reverted to unsafe or unreliable water sources, increasing vulnerability—particularly among women, children, and older persons.

Project Overview

The ‘Eua Water Project, funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) under the Tonga Rural Innovation Project Phase II (TRIP II), was designed to address these systemic challenges. The project supported the distribution and installation of household rainwater tanks across both districts of ‘Eua, covering 15 villages and 885 households, of which 177 are female-headed.

The project’s overarching goal was to strengthen sustainable management of drinking water resources while improving climate risk management, thereby contributing to socio-economic development and environmental sustainability on ‘Eua Island.

Implementation was completed in July 2020 through a collaborative partnership involving the Government of Tonga, IFAD, the Governments of Korea and Australia, ‘Eua communities, and MORDI Tonga.

Methodology and Approach

Beyond infrastructure delivery, the project emphasized community ownership and sustainability. Beneficiary selection criteria were developed and agreed upon at the community level, taking into account household vulnerability, roofing quality (critical to water safety), and equitable access. Households with unsuitable roofing materials were supported through access to nearby communal water sources to ensure no household was left without a safe alternative.

Follow-up engagement and informal monitoring visits were conducted to assess post-installation outcomes, household experiences, and early indications of impact.

Findings: Community-Level Outcomes in ‘Angaha

Site visits to beneficiary households in ‘Angaha village revealed consistent qualitative outcomes across age, gender, and household types.

Reduced Labor and Time Burden:
Households reported a significant reduction in time spent collecting water from churches, community halls, and neighboring homes. This burden had previously fallen disproportionately on children and women, often extending into the evening hours.

Improved Household Water Security:
Rainwater tanks provided an on-site, reliable source of water for drinking, cooking, bathing, and laundry. Beneficiaries reported increased confidence in meeting daily water needs, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall when tap water quality deteriorated.

Enhanced Well-being and Dignity:
Respondents consistently described a sense of relief, security, and dignity associated with having independent access to water. Several households noted improved relationships with neighbors, as reliance on shared or borrowed water declined.

Economic Benefits:
Households observed a reduction in water utility costs, contributing to modest but meaningful financial savings—particularly important for elderly residents and low-income families.

Beneficiary Perspectives

Fatai Vetekina (75 years)
Previously reliant on an aging cement tank, church water sources, and communal taps, Mr. Vetekina described the water tank as “a life-changing provision.” He emphasized reduced physical strain on children and the security of having water available on the household premises. “Water is the life force of every family,” he noted, adding that surplus water is now shared with neighbors when needed.

Kakala Saafi (49 years)
Ms. Saafi highlighted the impact on household routines, explaining that children are no longer required to fetch water, sometimes late at night. The household now uses rainwater for all domestic purposes and continues to share water with neighbors facing shortages.

Maikolo Angianga (40 years)
Mr. Angianga described long-standing dependence on church and community water sources, often causing tension with neighbors. Since installation, his household has achieved water self-sufficiency while continuing to provide water for traditional medicinal practices within the community.

Salavia Pani (82 years)
Ms. Pani emphasized both emotional and practical benefits. She reported reduced reliance on tap water, lower utility bills, and a profound sense of relief after years of waiting for assistance. “It feels as though a heavy burden has been lifted,” she said.

Governance and Community Leadership

Meliame Tu‘ifua, the first female Town Officer of ‘Angaha, highlighted the importance of inclusive leadership and transparent decision-making. She reported that 18 tanks were successfully installed in the village and noted that remaining unmet needs are primarily linked to poor roofing quality. She expressed commitment to mobilizing further support to address these gaps.

I am really happy that the project has helped households of the community. This project has brought to my attention that the homes that still remain without water tanks are because of poor quality roofing systems. I want to look for assistance to get help to these people who are in need of water tanks. Overall, 18 water tanks have been installed, the work done has been done well and for that I am grateful.

Lessons Learned and Sustainability Considerations

Key lessons emerging from the ‘Eua Water Project include:

• Infrastructure must be paired with capacity building to ensure long-term functionality and maintenance.
• Community-agreed selection criteria enhance fairness, ownership, and social cohesion.
• Roofing quality is a critical determinant of water safety and should be integrated into future program design.
• Women’s leadership at the local level strengthens oversight and responsiveness to household needs.

Conclusion

The ‘Eua Water Project demonstrates that well-designed, community-driven water interventions can deliver meaningful improvements in household resilience, dignity, and well-being. By addressing both technical and social dimensions of water security, the project provides a replicable model for outer-island contexts facing climate-related water challenges.