Location
Ovaka, Vava’u, Kingdom of Tonga
Community Description
Ovaka is a small island, 2 hours by boat from the main town of Neiafu. During the week, there are approximately 50 people living on the island with 15 children in the local primary school, ranging from ages 6-11.
The school’s sima vai (large water tank) is used by many of the members of the island. However, a government law states that once the sima vai is empty, school has to be cancelled. While it has yet to become empty, it has been very close multiple times.
The present source of the water to fill the tank is the roof of the house in which Peace Corps Volunteer Scott Yurcheshen is living.
The roof of the school has an extremely large surface area. However, the runoff is currently wasted as there are no gutters and piping leading the water to the sima vai.
Project Description
Project funds will be used to purchase supplies and materials to expand the current gutter system to include the roof of the school. This will allow the water to be collected and used to keep the sima vai filled.
The additional drinking water will also be available to all of the households in the community.
The labor will be provided by the members of the community.
Project Impact
50 people will benefit from this project, including the 15 children at the school, 2 teachers, and the PCV.
Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Scott Yurcheshen
Comments
This project will provide water for a unique and remote population. The simple extension to the existing rainwater catchment and tank system will ensure the needs of the school and the community at large.
Dollar Amount of Project
$300.00
Donations Collected to Date
$300.00
Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 – This project has been fully funded, through the generosity friends of Scott Yurcheshen.
We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Peace Corps Volunteer Scott Yurcheshen of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by Scott and/or those of his counterpart PCVs in Tonga.
This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.