In 2022, the Tongan volcano Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai erupted causing widespread devastation to communities and the disruption of essential services including water supplies. Soon after the disaster, Moerk Water were selected by UNICEF to supply water treatment units to people impacted by the disaster as well as to train members of the Tongan Ministry of Health on the installation and maintenance of these vital treatment systems. By building up the local capacity in Tonga in this important technology, response times to disasters will improve and more people will have access to improved water supplies.
The training, which included both water treatment technologies and renewable energy systems, was held online and run across 3 days. The training included theory sessions and practical demonstrations with a water treatment unit and was attended by 16 staff members (4 Female/9 Male) of the Tongan Ministry of Health. Upon successful completion of the training, staff were awarded with certificates from Moerk Water and UNICEF. In the coming weeks, Tongan Ministry of Health staff will use their training to ensure that these renewable energy powered water treatment systems benefit communities still recovering from the eruption.
