Electric Power Corporation’s (E.P.C) Project Manager, Fonoti Perelini Fonoti, has confirmed that the project at Ta’elefaga to deal with wastewater from the hydro there is nearly completed.

The NZ$1.7million (T$2.8m) project would not only help Ta’elefaga villagers breathe easier, it is also designed to protect the environment.

“The new project is quite an interesting one and as I told you before in past interviews, the new system of Aeration and Bubble Technology is looking at improving the quality of water discharged to the ocean,” said Fonoti.

“The biggest goal is preserving marine life…it’s been twenty years since there’s no life to the marine life at this part of the island.

“But with the new project and this new system, we are looking into bringing back life to the ocean especially the oxygen produced because it is much needed for the survival of other organisms including fish.

The system is often required in water bodies that suffer from anoxic conditions, usually caused by adjacent human activities such as sewage discharges, agricultural run-off, or over-baiting a fishing lake.  

 “Not only do fish and other aquatic animals need it, but oxygen breathing aerobic bacteria decompose organic matter.” 

King Construction Company was awarded the contract.

Over the years, Taelefaga villagers have had to endure a foul smell coming from a stream linked to Taelefaga Power Station.