Tribewanted: Vorovoro

Jim, Tui Mali, Pupu, and I hiked up above the waterfall this afternoon. Having presented Tui Mali with some grog on Tuesday and asking permission to develop part of the island outside of the lease, we were now on a mission to determine the best course of action. Pupu and Tui Mali were both pleased with the plan and the site that we have now located. So, we now place the future of this project in your hands. Here is a recap of the proposal:

In order to produce fresh vegetables for the tribe year round we need to increase our water storage capacity by 40,000 liters. If we don’t fix our water storage problem now, we will face anther dry season with little production from the gardens, bans on fresh water bathing and the possibility of running out of drinking/cooking water. Refilling our tanks would cost upwards of $5000.

The land above the waterfall forms a natural basin that during the rainy season fills up with water.

To meet our water needs, The Fijians are recommending turning this area into a permanent water catchment and storage basin.

Due to the fact that it is already flooded half the year it is highly unlikely that developing this area will put any strain on the ecosystem.

The added water storage will greatly increase the biodiversity and allow for a much stronger ecosystem to flourish on the island.

It will also improve sanitation by providing enough water for regular bathing during the dry season.

The waterfall itself will be unaffected.

The design Pupu and I have developed takes into account both the safety of the animals on the island as well as maintenance issues and maintains the natural aesthetics of the island. (If you would like more technical information on the design please send me an email at bkatz@tribewanted.com)

A feasibility study has shown this to be the only financially viable option available to us at this time. Water tanks are in access of $12,000 fjd.

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