Fifteen individuals who live in villages that are part of the Samoa Independent Water Scheme Association network underwent a plumbing short course to upskill themselves in the trade.

The training was was spearheaded by the association in collaboration with the Australia Pacific Training Coalition and was run for three weeks.

The proponents of the training are hoping that the training will benefit the respective water committees to maintain a sustainable and effective operation of their water network.

A plumber from the Salailua independent water scheme, Kuluva Tolova'a said the training helped him fine-tune his plumbing skills to better maintain his water network. 

He said the skills would be helpful in the future due to the exposure he has had as well as understanding the different plumbing tools required and techniques applied to ensure safe quality water is supplied to the end-users. 

Mr. Tolova'a thanked the association for offering such an opportunity for village committee representatives to assist them in their day to day roles in their respective communities.

According to the association's Programme Manager, Clarissa Laulala the plumbing training is funded under their two-year project with the European Union (E.U.) which ends in March next year.

She noted that the first plumbing training of the village residents commenced on 15 March.

"The participants are members of the village water committees responsible for the management of their water supply network," said Mrs. Laulala.

"The training covered five units that the APTC also offers in their Certificate III Plumbing Course: carrying out Work, Health and Safety requirements, using plumbing hand and power tools, fabricating and installing non-ferrous pressure piping, installing and adjusting water service controls and devices and connecting and installation of storage tanks to a domestic water supply. 

"As part of the training, the plumbing cohort visited some I.W.S. [independent water scheme] networks for them to apply their skills learnt in the workshop."

She thanked the E.U. for funding the initiative as well as the A.P.T.C. for carrying out essential training for their communities.

The association is offering three plumbing intakes for the village communities who are members of the association.

Vocational Training Manager for A.P.T.C. Samoa and Tonga Country Office, Andrew Colquhoun said he encourages participation from the communities.

"We commend this initiative by the  S.I.W.S.A. which will benefit many communities. Increasing access to training, particularly to rural communities, is at the heart of APTC’s objectives," Mr. Colquhoun said in a statement.

"An important aspect of the work we do at A.P.T.C. throughout the Pacific region is to change lives for our graduates and trainees through skills development. 

"We are proud to be a part of this project, which will equip participants with the necessary  skills and knowledge to improve and maintain their community water systems."