Measures have been put in place in Aitutaki to ensure there is no water disruption to the public and the regional leaders attending the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders retreat next week.

Aitutaki will host the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Retreat as part of the 52^nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM52) to be held from November 6-10.

Rarotonga will host over 500 delegates, including Forum Leaders and their delegations, Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific (CROP) representatives, regional private sector and civil society representatives, Forum Associate members and Forum Observers, as well as Forum Dialogue Partners. However, only the Pacific Leaders and officials will attend the retreat in Aitutaki on Wednesday, November 8.

Residents of the Southern Group Island in October raised their concerns and frustrations about the ongoing water shortage crisis and hoped the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Retreat will bring some solution to their problems.

Aitutaki is prone to water shortages given that it is reliant on rainwater and gallery (underground water reservoir) supplies, which are directly related to rainfall. Households have been experiencing water cuts for extended periods of up to four weeks, while some for five months and more.

Responding to questions from Cook Islands News, a spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office said: “The Aitutaki Island Government has been closely monitoring the water supply issue that has affected certain parts of the island. They have put in place measures to ensure water supply continues through alternating supplies between communities.”

The spokesperson said water works staff are rostered on a 24-hour basis to ensure water pumps are effectively operational and that issues are attended to promptly.

“The Island Government confirms that they are aware of the needs of the Forum retreat (a 24-hour visit) and will ensure the needs of the community are not compromised.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) earlier said Aitutaki, with a population of just over 1800 people, is leaving no stone unturned as it prepares to welcome Pacific Leaders and officials for the retreat.

The Leaders Meeting opens in Rarotonga on Monday, November 6, with subsequent meetings held on Tuesday and Wednesday before Leaders take a 50-minute flight from Rarotonga to Aitutaki for the Leaders Retreat, where they will further reflect on issues discussed.

Karen Ngamata and Mereana Bishop, who form part of the PIFLM52 logistics team, have been liaising closely with the Mayor, Executive Officer, Island Council, Members of Parliament, accommodators, and businesses alongside the logistics team based in Aitutaki to ensure things run smoothly.

“Members of the PIFLM52 logistics team have been liaising with Leader representatives of Aitutaki for a few months now, and those engagements have picked up in recent weeks as we get closer to the Leaders Meeting,” Ngamata said in a MFAI statement.

“The Cook Islands last hosted the Forum Leaders Meeting in 2012 when the Leaders Retreat was also held in Aitutaki, and the learnings from then have provided a solid platform for us to prepare for next month. The island of Aitutaki is extremely proud to again be hosting Pacific Leaders, and they are looking forward to once again showcasing the best of their culture and hospitality.”

Aitutaki possesses one of the world’s most beautiful lagoons, where visitors can look forward to languid, leisurely days with jaw-dropping surroundings. The island will be the backdrop of the Leaders Retreat that will deliver the PIFLM52 Leaders Communique that will direct the regional work of the Pacific Islands Forum for the year. In true Aitutaki style, the Leaders Retreat discussions will be held aboard a vaka within the lagoon – the perfect setting for confidential and open discussions between Pacific Leaders, MFAI said.

“Out on the Aitutaki Lagoon, away from the noise of global tensions, we can re-connect our Leaders to our ocean identity and what’s most important for our Pacific people,” said Ngamata.

“This is a fitting setting for our Leaders to chart and agree on the regional collective actions for the year ahead and how we might mobilise efforts and resources together for our Blue Pacific and her people.”

Air Rarotonga will transport Leaders to Aitutaki, where Leaders and their delegations will stay at Aitutaki properties, sample Aitutaki delicacies, utilize lagoon tour services, and be welcomed at Orongo Marae in the main township area by the island.

“We’re confident Aitutaki will be ready and are looking forward to continuing to work closely with our counterparts in Aitutaki,” said Ngamata.

• Additional reporting by MFAI