Thirty five Government schools under the Independent Water Schemes Association (I.W.S.A.) will benefit from UV filter systems to help clean their water supply.

The project is funded by Canada Fund for Local Initiatives through Ministry of Women Community and Social Development, in partnership with I.W.S.A, the implementing agency. 

This was confirmed by Clarissa Taavili-Laulala, Office Manager, in an interview with the Samoa Observer.

Ms. Laulala said that 15 per cent of Samoa’s water access is provided under Independent Water Schemes (I.W.S.) from Upolu and Savaii [run and managed by villages] but 55 of which are registered under their association.  

The water supplied through Independent Water Schemes is usually not treated.

“The schools that are located within these village schemes have been identified to receive the filters,” she said.

“The filters will be able to provide clean water because it removes sediment, clears turbidity as well as eliminate bacteria (E.coli).

“We have already started installing these filters in schools belonging to Salailua, Gautavai, Laumoli, Tutuga, Patamea, Solosolo and Samalaeulu. 

“We have Mark Abela, a Water Engineer from Tasmania - Australia, who will be working with us for 12 months through the Australian Volunteers International (A.V.I.) program as a water, sanitation and hygiene mentor.”

She said that Mr. Abela has been assisting their association with the installation of UV filters.

“He will also be involved in capacity building within our organisation through project management, engineering solutions and business management.

“We are very grateful to Canada Fund for their assistance because funding is greatly needed for some of our projects.”

I.W.S.A. completed a similar filtration project last year which provided home water treatment systems to more than 300 households within Independent Water Schemes.  The home water treatment systems (filters) were designed to remove primarily bacteria (E.coli and other faecal coliforms) and protozoan cysts such as giardia and cryptosporidium. 

They are also capable of removing sediments and other small particles as small as 0.3 microns, she said. 

I.W.S.A. is a non-profit organisation that aims to ensure reliable and sustainable access to clean, safe, and affordable water for all Independent Water Schemes of Samoa.