Simple solution to water problem
With a bit of common sense and ingenuity water is able to flow through the newly laid water pipelines in Ruaau by simply repairing and reconnecting the Muriavai Water Intake pipeline for less than $500.
Over the last couple of weeks, concerns have been raised in the media over the lack of water flowing through the newly laid water pipelines. These are water pipelines that were to have improved the availability and quality of water into homes, especially those situated in Ruaau. Unfortunately, water still leaks and no water flows through the newly laid water pipelines.
If we take a quick look at what the MOIP water division has achieved since July 2008, we will see that during heavy rainfall we are advised by the MOIP water division that the drains are blocked and water is overflowing and when low rainfall occurs we are advised to conserve water. Logic tells us that when there is high rainfall and streams are overflowing, we should be STORING water to help us last through the low rainfall season.
It is obvious that the MOIP water division needs help and so, the Ruaau residents group and its growing supporters around Rarotonga are offering their assistance at an unbeatable charge out rate of no dollars with a guarantee of ensuring that the water system is improved.
So, how can we demonstrate to MOIP water division through hands on learning what needs to be done to improve our existing water system? Let’s take a look at the water management technology created and implemented by Sam Crocombe and endorsed by water system expert Sam Napa. It is cost effective and an outstanding example of Cook Islands common sense and ingenuity.
Sam Crocombes’ water management technology clearly demonstrates how maximizing on a trickling flow of water can provide gravity fed water into 8 residential homes at a pressure rate equivalent to that of water that flows from a fire hydrant. The water management technology consists of a water source, at a trickling flow rate from an off stream to the main water stream in Avatiu. The water from the off stream is collected and channeled into a culvert and then gravity fed down into a sedimentation tank where it is purified and then further gravity fed into an average size water tank, which then flows on into the homes. It is that simple!
The cost effectiveness of Sam Crocombes’ innovative water management technology is affordable for Cook Islands residents and it actually works. More importantly, it is a technology that can be easily positioned alongside any of the water intakes which have a trickling to gushing flow of water. It has the capacity and capability to fill up the many empty and unused water galleries and storage tanks around Rarotonga.
The recent discussions by the MOIP water division to start drilling for groundwater is a definite NOT TO DO thing, this is because water sources such as the disconnected Muriavai water intake are flowing with water and only need to be reconnected, for no more than $500. To begin drilling for groundwater will drain the luscious green trees from its needed supply of water, which in turn stimulates soil erosion.
The fact is the Avatiu stream is gushingly flowing and even though its offstream is at a trickling flow, the water source is available. This is the same at Muriavai where it needs to be repaired and reconnected for less than $500 to get the water flowing into the Ruaau homes. So come on MOIP water division respond positively to the offer of help from the Ruaau residents group and other growing supporters around Rarotonga. You just have to say when and we will be there!

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