Lack of water is a priority issue in the district of Lulunga, in Tonga’s remote Ha’apai island group. The 17 island archipelago has a population of over 500 people within six communities, who are mostly situated in the district centre of Ha’afeva. A lack of water in these communities leads to illnesses such as typhoid, dengue fever and diarrhoea. Crops and livestock are also adversely afected by low rainfall which leads to overreliance on rice and imported foods, leading to poor nutrition. 

This briefng note outlines steps which have been undertaken by communities, government and NGOs to deliver long term solutions for water security in Lulunga Village, Ha’apai.