Families in the remote community of Petervat in north Malekula, Vanuatu, now have clean, reliable running water through a new solar-powered water system delivered under Australia’s REnew Pacific programme.
The system uses renewable energy to pump water from a natural spring directly to households, reducing reliance on fuel-based systems and improving water security for the rural community.
It was officially handed over last week by Malekula MP Paul Paolo and REnew Pacific Portfolio Manager Lindah Keremoi-Elton, representing the Australian High Commission, alongside local leaders and community members.
Vanuatu Minister for Climate Change, Adaptation, Geohazards, Meteorology and Energy Ralph Regenvanu said the project showed how renewable energy could improve essential services in rural communities.
“Projects like this show renewable energy can deliver a tangible impact,” Regenvanu said. “The Petervat community now has locally owned infrastructure providing reliable access to clean water while reducing reliance on costly fuel-based systems.”
He said he looked forward to further renewable energy projects under the Nakamal Agreement.
Australian High Commissioner to Vanuatu Max Willis said the project demonstrated the practical benefits of Australia’s partnership with Vanuatu.
“We launched REnew Pacific in Petervat a year ago, so it is a proud moment that clean water is now flowing, powered by the sun,” Willis said.
“This is what partnership looks like in action: climate-resilient infrastructure that improves daily life for rural ni-Vanuatu families.”
Petervat is one of nine rural communities across Santo, Paama, Tanna and Malekula receiving solar-powered water systems under the two-year project. The initiative is expected to improve water security for more than 5,100 people.
It will also provide 24 health centres and schools with solar photovoltaic systems and battery storage, while creating local employment and training opportunities.
For Petervat residents, the system reduces the time and effort previously required to collect water.
“In the past, we relied on water from the river, but now we have access to water from a natural spring,” said Jamie Vaxal, secretary of the Petervat Community Water Committee. “The water is piped directly to our houses, and daily life is much easier.”
The system was delivered by the Global Green Growth Institute in partnership with Vanuatu’s National Green Energy Fund. Community members have been trained to operate and maintain the infrastructure.
“This system now belongs to Petervat,” said Andres Toro, GGGI Vanuatu’s REnew Pacific project lead. “The community has been trained to run and maintain it, ensuring reliable access to clean water for years to come.”
The project is one of two REnew Pacific initiatives in Vanuatu. It builds on the recently completed Respond Global HELPR-1 project, which provided 24-hour solar power to 41 health facilities across the country’s six provinces, benefiting more than 70,000 people.
REnew Pacific is an Australian government commitment of A$75 million to expand clean, reliable off-grid renewable energy in rural and remote communities across the Pacific and Timor-Leste. It forms part of the A$350 million Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership, delivered through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific.
