The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced the commencement of project works to improve the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities of Cook Islands’ schools this month.

ADB, the Cook Islands Ministry of Education, Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC), and schools on Rarotonga have finalised Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) to commence the facility improvements following an extensive 18-month planning and procurement process.

Work is scheduled to begin this month, with completion expected before the beginning of the 2024 school year.

In a statement, ADB Cook Islands said: “Through this agreement, upgrades to WASH facilities, such as toilets, handwashing stations, and water filters, at ten schools in Rarotonga will be completed, raising the ratio of persons to WASH

facilities in Rarotonga schools.”

“Clean water resources will also be improved in the Pa Enua under the agreements and contributions made to Phase 1 of the Te Tau Papa o Avarua Town Plan, including the installation of a wheelchair-accessible drinking fountain in Punanga Nui Market, Avarua, Rarotonga.”

The activities are implemented under and funded by ADB’s regional Technical Assistance project (TA6551), Strengthening WASH Practices and Hygiene Behavioural Change in the Pacific, the statement added.

“The TA aims to strengthen the capacity of Pacific members to prevent disease transmission through enhanced WASH practices and enabling environment.

“The project seeks to improve handwashing practices among students and staff in Rarotonga’s schools and will ensure clean water access throughout the Cook Islands.”

An awareness raising campaign to support better hygiene practices, benefiting both students and the broader community, is also planned for delivery under the project following facility improvements.

Rarotonga schools that will receive support under the project are: Apii Avarua, Apii St Joseph, Nukutere College, Tereora College, Apii Arorangi, Apii Rutaki, Apii Papaaroa, Titikaveka College, Apii Imanuela Akatemia, and Apii Takitumu.