Niue’s water future: A community-based approach
At a glance
GHD, with the Government of Niue and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, designed an international development project to investigate the causes and extent of water supply and sanitation challenges in Niue, an island in the South Pacific. By working closely with community groups and the utility providers, the project identified pathways to achieve the country’s goal of “access to 24-hour water supply and safe potable water.” This initiative aims to ensure fair access to potable water and improve public health for its 1,600 residents. The project was delivered under the Niue Australia Development Program 2021-2025, a partnership between the Government of Niue and the Government of Australia to focus its critical infrastructure support on the water and wastewater sector.
The challenge
Water security is a complex challenge for Niue. With no surface water available due to its unique geography, the island state relies on a finite groundwater aquifer, supplemented by rainwater collection, for freshwater supply. Although extensive, Niue’s water supply and sanitation system does not fully meet the needs of all residents. Many areas suffer from inconsistent water flow due to low pressure within the system, which is worsened by frequent power outages. Although Niue has one of the highest rates of access to sanitation in the Pacific, the disposal of residential septic waste on open ground near the airport poses significant public health and environmental risks. The porous limestone terrain increases the possibility of groundwater contamination, threatening the island’s potable water supply, the health of its residents, and its delicate ecosystem.
Our response
In partnership with the Government of Niue, community stakeholders, private sector and the Australian High Commission in Niue, GHD has designed a comprehensive, community-centric plan to approach Niue’s water and sanitation challenges.
Extensive community engagement
GHD leveraged deep community involvement. We engaged with 17% of the population, including 167 individual discussions, 16 group consultations, meetings with 27 agencies and government departments, and a national digital survey to elicit a wide range of responses. GHD undertook this extensive engagement to tailor our solutions to meet the specific needs of each community.
Tailored infrastructure upgrades
The proposed design would see each of the 14 villages on the island receive specific upgrades based on their unique requirements. Larger communal tanks could be installed for villages with insufficient stored water volume. Areas suffering from low water pressure would benefit from new pressure pumps. New water refill stations for fire truck filling points would be installed at critical locations around the island to allow better emergency response services.
Enhanced wastewater management
In the absence of a centralised wastewater treatment system, GHD has recommended and designed a $1.5 million municipal wastewater treatment system to service the whole country. This system is geared towards mitigating public health risks and preventing groundwater contamination. Additionally, prioritised households would be provided with upgraded septic tanks.
Educational campaigns
Recognising the importance of community knowledge and self-sufficiency, GHD proposed a bi-annual educational campaign focused on maintaining water and septic systems, especially before and after the cyclone season. This initiative aims to empower residents with the skills needed to support their infrastructure effectively.
The impact
GHD’s project design in Niue aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on enhancing the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Our community-centric approach to the design seeks to not only address immediate water and sanitation needs but also to foster long-term sustainability and self-sufficiency.
Community benefits
By engaging with the community and providing tailored solutions, the design aims to contribute to enhancing public health, environmental safety and overall quality of life for Niue’s residents. The project’s objective is to facilitate access to clean, potable water for every resident and, in so doing, reduce the risk of waterborne diseases and promote better health outcomes.
Sustainable development
This project design demonstrates GHD’s commitment to making water, energy and communities sustainable for generations to come. By nurturing communities and enabling the sustainable management of water resources, we can help build a resilient future for Niue.
Emma Newland, Environment Team Leader, Fiji, with nearly 20 years of experience in Pacific development projects, emphasises the uniqueness and appropriateness of this approach, particularly in a Pacific context. “Rather than just proposing a generic water system, we asked, ‘What can we do with the available resources that’s going to make the biggest impact towards reaching your goal?’” This method highlights the importance of engaging communities in their development and designing customised solutions to meet actual needs.
This proposed design illustrates how thoughtful, community-centric development could lead to sustainable and impactful outcomes.