WILMER JOEL
A new 11.5 million gallon water reservoir was handed over from the government of Japan to the Majuro Water and Sewer Company last Wednesday. The water storage capacity of MWSC has expanded to over 47 million gallons, augmenting the six existing reservoirs.
The new reservoir, which is worth over $14 million, took 18 months to build, has dramatically increased the island’s water capacity, supply, and distribution capability, according to Japan Ambassador Hirohisa Soma.
The reservoir was funded by the government of Japan and implemented by the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
“The newly completed water reservoir is expected to increase older storage capacity, strengthen the water supply, especially during the dry season, and extend the water distribution hours for families and businesses,” he said.
Soma added that during the construction no workers were injured and the project was finished on schedule.
“It is noteworthy that the project was completed without any incidents or delays, despite the breakdowns of some of the essential heavy machinery and other risky construction works,” he said. “All construction workers should be applauded for their unwavering benefits to safety first, which was reinforced through daily morning assemblies and monthly safety gatherings.”
The Japan Ambassador added: “This reservoir is a testament to those commendable achievements that resulted from the day to day collaboration between Japanese and Marshallese workers built on mutual understanding, trust and shared goal.”
Speaking on behalf of the national government, Acting Foreign Minister Gerald Zackios said the reservoir is a symbol of the enduring friendship between Japan and RMI. “They say water is life, but today water is friendship,” he said. “By investing in infrastructure in the areas of water, we are investing in our health (and) our resilience.”
After speeches were made, President Hilda Heine, Ambassador Soma, Pacific International Inc. CEO Jerry Kramer, Japan International Cooperation Agency Resident Representative Ono Yakuri and other government and traditional dignitaries participated in the ribbon cutting of the reservoir marking the official beginning of its use.