Avatiu take on Ruaau water solution
Water solutions for the Cook Islands have already been achieved by our own Cook Islands Water Geniuses. We see such water solutions in operation in places like the Aitutaki Pacific Resort, General Transport Limited and various households around Rarotonga. So, why is it that the Ministry of Infrastructure and Planning (MOIP) refuse to listen to our Cook Islands water geniuses? Could it be that it is too simple or Is it that they prefer to listen to Overseas consultants rather than our own Cook Islands water geniuses?

The Ruaau residents group over the last 18 months have been adamant that suggested water solutions to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Planning (MOIP) can be locally achieved, cost efficient and pay off for itself in no time. Ironically, Sam Napa of the Ruaau Residents group has just recently completed an Avatitu water innovation. It not only works but it is now servicing households and hoteliers in Ruaau who are paying $174 per 9000 litre water load delivered!
Combining the enterprise savyiness of Jessie Sword of General Transport with the earthmoving ingenuity of Pati Heather and Company, Water Gallery Innovators, Maoate Contractors Ltd and Water tank Designers, Mike Rennie Ltd is evidence that water solutions for the Cook Islands is locally achievable. It does not require the expertise of overseas consultants. The mastermind behind bringing such people together is none other than Papa Sam Napa, who strongly advocates that the only consultants we need are our own locally recognised Cook Islands water designers and experts.
The fact that many residents from around Rarotonga and various hoteliers are ordering truck loads of water from this Avatiu water innovation is an eye opener. This piece of water genius has proven to be cost effective purely by the fact that it is paying for itself and soon, if not already, generating profits in a socially and environmentally responsible way. It has also proven its ability to add value to tourism properties where water is in short supply, finances are limited but water is an essential necessity for their visiting customers. In a nutshell the people of Avatiu can see the value in Sam Napa and his ability to deliver what he says works and can be done.
Avatiu finds value in Sam Napa, while Hon William Heather and team would rather disrespectfully outst out this Pa Metua (as they did in a Ruaau Water Committee meeting held in 2009). So what has Hon William Heather brought to the water situation in the Cook Islands since being Minster of MOIP? From what we see in recent media releases; drilling into a water lense is what is planned, with an overseas ground water expert. Such an exercise is dangerous and should not be tampered with, especially when there are other water sources that are easier to tap into but more importantly are not harmful to the environment. As for the cost of such an exercise, only they will know. However, it will most certainly not cost less than the $500.00 Ruaau water solution that Sam Napa proposed to MOIP, Water Director at the time Othaniel Tangianau.
Unfortunately for the people of Ruaau, the water solution for residential and tourism sites has been a missed opportunity for Ruaau and the wider Arorangi. Fortunately, for the people of Avatiu, they are enjoying the responsive water solutions collectively created by our own set of Cook Islands Water geniuses. Collectively our water geniuses have widened the range of water innovations available to the Cook Islands. Water innovations that are affordable, accessible, workable, and most of all easily maintained and serviced.

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