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Marshall Islands

El Niño Drought Response IOM Marshall Islands, Situation Report #10 - 7 November 2016

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New Zealand Embassy Supports Rainwater Harvesting Improvement Project in Kabin Meto (Ujae, Lae, Wotho)

Through generous donations from the New Zealand Embassy, and in coordination with the Office of the Chief Secretary, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Rainwater Harvesting Improvement Program (RWHIP) is near completion. The overall objective of the RWHIP is to improve and expand the use of rainwater harvesting systems in order to provide relief to households during times of drought while also providing a long-term, sustainable source of water collection that extends beyond times of disaster. During prolonged periods of drought there is a common misconception that there is no rain at all. This is not true as there is often some rain—though at rates that are well below average. It is rare for a location in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) to have no rainfall for one month or more. It is for this reason that the RMI WASH Cluster has decided to create and implement the RWHIP. The Program is part of a well rounded and holistic approach to ensuring that vulnerable communities have access to water at all times—including during periods of drought.

The 3 RWHIP teams were composed of staff from IOM, Volunteers from the Marshall Islands Red Cross Society (MIRCS), staff from Ministry of Public Works and local community members. Teams are wrapping up final installations and returning to Majuro to debrief.
Households that received support were chosen by the community on a needs basis and tailoring assistant to individual households was delivered. IOM thanks all of its partners for taking part in the RWHIP!