For the first time in its history, Sarabulu Primary School in South Ambae, Vanuatu, has access to a new water supply, marking a significant milestone in a water project supported by funds raised through Global Mission Partners.
The development brings much-needed relief to a community where access to reliable water remains a challenge, particularly during the dry season. It also represents an important step in ongoing efforts to strengthen water infrastructure for communities living on an island shaped by volcanic activity.
Peter Bryant, Project Manager with the Conference of Churches of Christ in Vanuatu, recently travelled across Ambae during a three-week journey that included ministry training, visits to local churches and communities, and work on water projects across the island.
In South Ambae, Peter joined a team working to establish a water system that would carry water from the slopes of the island’s volcano towards the community of Sarabulu. The project was supported by funds raised through Global Mission Partners in Australia, alongside the Churches of Christ office in Vanuatu.
Walking uphill with the team, Peter visited several points where water storage facilities were being established, including a gravity-break tank designed to manage water pressure as it travelled downhill.
A 6,000-litre rainwater tank at a home in South Ambae, Vanuatu, highlighting the community’s reliance on rainwater and the importance of developing more reliable water supplies.
Further into the bush, the team reached the source of the system: two small natural water soaks beside a creek. Though modest in size, these natural springs have the potential to provide an important source of water for communities in South Ambae.
The following day brought a significant milestone as the water pipes reached Sarabulu Primary School and the local Market House.
Peter joined others in opening the tap at the school, marking the first time the school had received water through the new system.
Until then, Sarabulu Primary School had relied on rainwater collected in a 6,000-litre tank. With the new system in place, the school is no longer solely dependent on rainfall to meet its water needs.
The achievement comes after a challenging period for communities across Ambae. Earlier in the year, volcanic activity had particularly affected parts of South-East Ambae. By the time of Peter’s visit, the landscape had turned green again and crops were flourishing. However, the beginning of the dry season was already placing renewed pressure on water supplies.
While the progress at Sarabulu is encouraging, the need for reliable water infrastructure remains pressing in other communities.
During his visit, Peter also travelled to Saramosoana, a small community that continues to rely entirely on rainwater collected in a 6,000-litre tank. When the tank runs dry, residents must walk several minutes to collect water from small, stagnant pools in the rocky creek bed.
Saramosoana remains beyond the reach of the newly established water system. Additional funding is needed to extend the pipeline several more kilometres and bring a more reliable supply to the community.
Across South and West Ambae, efforts continue to develop water systems that can better support communities facing the ongoing challenges of their environment.
At Sarabulu Primary School, those efforts are already making a tangible difference. Water is now flowing from the slopes of the volcano to the school, reducing its reliance on rainwater and demonstrating how improved water infrastructure can strengthen communities across Ambae.