New water tanks have been installed in the island of Manihiki to provide homes in the two island communities of Tukao and Tauhunu with more access to drinking water.

Government through the Manihiki Island Government has shipped over 48 x 6 kilolitre (6000 litre) water tanks to each household in Tauhunu, Manihiki, another two private tanks were also part of the delivery.

The dedication ceremony for the tanks was held on Friday September 1, last week attended by the Health Protection Officers.

Tangi Napara is overseeing the project in collaboration with the Island Government.

The community is also assisting with the installation of the water tanks which is expected to be completed next Wednesday.

New water tanks have been installed in Manihiki. SUPPLIED/23090709

Some tanks have needed to be dug deeper into the ground in accordance to the height of the individual homes to ensure rainwater can be collected, said a spokesperson from Manihiki.

The people of Manihiki are divided by the two main islands of Tauhunu and Tukao, which are separated by about 4 kilometre of a lagoon highway.

Households in Tukao have also received new water tanks.

Last year in February, two new 20,000 litre water tanks for Manihiki were constructed on Tauhunu and Tukao supported by the Pa Enua Action for Resilient Livelihoods (PEARL) project and the SPC in Fiji Water Scarcity Programme.