By: International Organization for Migration
March 22 marks World Water Day an annual UN day to raise awareness on the importance of freshwater. This year’s theme is the value of water, which is about much more than its price. Water has enormous value for households, food, culture, health, education, economics and the environment. The value of water is especially important for the outer islands of Pohnpei.
Over the past several months, the community of Kapingamarangi has been threatened by water shortages due to prolonged periods without rain. As part of Pohnpei State’s coordinated effort to support the community, IOM and USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID/BHA) will build a water catchment system consisting of eight 1,500-gallon water tanks. IOM is partnering with the Micronesia Conservation Trust (MCT), who will also build another water catchment system, also consisting of eight 1,500-gallon water tanks. The tanks are expected to meet the long-term water nee