problems solved
p. 23 · Read in the full issue
Nomuka's water problems solved
c r i tt • !
ENGINEERS from the United States Army have installed two desalination units on Nomuka Isla " d J on ?, a ' ™ e r u l nits can produce 5000 gallons of fresh water a d f>' , f ive gallons for each of the island s 1000 residents.
Nomuka is on the southern end of the Ha’apai Group, 90 miles north of the main island Tongatapu. It “has a long history of problems with water,” said Lt. Col Fetu’utolu Tupou, Com mander of the Tongan Defence Ser vice. “Residents rely on catching and storing rainwater throughout the year, and this new fresh water system will supplement seasonal water shortages when rainfall is scarce.” ■n. t to r j j • • r t to The US-funded project is part of US
Army Pactfics (USARPAC) Ex
panded Relations Program which sup
ports military cooperation and projects with allies in the Pacific and Indian Ocean region.
The project, paid for by US aid, cost
Ussbo,Ooo.
The system is the first Reverse Osmosis Processing Unit (ROPU) in Tonga.
“One gallon of diesel fuel will produce 500 gallons of fresh water,” said technician C. Desai. “A similar solar powered system is unfortunately still far, far too expensive for most uses.”
The water units will be monitored and operated by the Nomuka residents.
Said the chief carpenter and mason, Sgt Wendel Flowers. “They brought coral from another island and we’d wade out to the ship. The heavy sacks would push us under, but we just kept walking to shore.”
The people of Nomuka prepared lunch every day. “Delicious!” laughed Corley. “Last night they brought us a complete roast pig for a ‘snack’ and this morning someone walked up with a boiled lobster for breakfast!” Water production is expected to begin this month □