WATER WORKS IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC

The Royal Australian Navy boosted its friendship with the people of Tonga this week when Ardent Six installed a new water tank at the countries main primary school.

The crew, embarked in HMAS Childers, was in the Tongan capital Nuku a’lofa as part of its month long international engagement deployment in the South Pacific.

The materials for the water tank were donated by Rotary and will provide clean drinking water for the school’s 580 students.

School Principal Sia Taumalolo said the children had been drinking from two very old tanks despite warnings from staff that the water could make them sick.

“This is the day we had been praying for. It’s one of the best days of our lives.

It gets very hot and the kids get very thirsty, and now they can quench their thirst with clean drinking water,” she said.

Tonga’s Deputy Minister for Education, Ponepate Taunisila formally thanked Ardent Six for its labour.

“Clean drinking water is a basic necessity for a healthy life.

We are so thankful for what you have given to the children of this school.” he said.

The school’s students showed their appreciation by treating the crew to a concert displaying traditional Tongan singing and dancing.

Ardent Six Commanding Officer, CMDR Mitch Edwards praised the local hospitality.

“We have loved our time here. Our relationship with the people of Tonga is a very high priority.

Our visit has allowed us to train with the Tongan Defence Force, and engage with the local community.

It is particularly important for us to have a strong relationship with Tonga and the rest of the South Pacific.” He said.

During its visit to Nuku a’lofa the crew also mowed and painted play equipment in the cities main play ground, and were guests at a private cocktail party held at the Australian Embassy.

HMAS Childers has now set sail for Port Vila, Vanuatu, to conduct more international Engagement activities.