Samoa Water For Life Newsletter - Issue # 11 Page 8
Photos from Page 3 --- BIOGAS Project
Issue #11 : Jan - Mar 2011
It is a basic reality that Samoa’s capital city is built on meetings with the Authority to discuss aspects of the “It is great to see SOPAC taking tem provides an up-to-data cata- a floodplain, APIA central; contributing to this truth designs and plausible alternatives to unforeseen land the lead in the Pacific in the use logue and a centralized data re- Visit us on the Web are a network of rivers and streams within the town, acquisition setbacks. of open source software. There is pository, or library of information. Gasegase River (Vaimoso), Fugalei Stream, Mulivai a global movement towards using Stream (Togafuafua, Lalovaea) and Vaisigano River. Figure 4 shows the general outfall and flows of peak Mr. Singh said that apart from the OSS tools that enable the easy Mulivai flows within a 2 year-storm even. A series of financial benefits, OSS provides A design was conducted under the Ministry of Works constrictions within the Mulivai Stream channel allows sharing of data and applications transparency. “ICT systems and Infrastructure 2008, by the Bluebird Ah LAL, Sa- for this bottle-neck effect causing breaching of river to the mutual benefit of the larger based on OSS are freely avail- moa and Woods & Partners. The team consisted of banks thus flowing to the neighboring low-land areas community. Our research shows able and can be modified easily to Hydrologists, GIS Specialists, Surveyors and Engi- such as Fugalei and Togafuafua. that there were the enormous pay suit very specific requirements. -offs for both developed and de- An organization using OSS has veloping countries in using open more control over the privacy and source platforms for disaster risk security aspects, compared to management.” closed-source “black box” solu- Mr. Singh said that SOPAC’s up- tions. neers to fully map out the sources of these floods, By deepening the stream at relative depths outlined graded online platform not only “OSS is a community effort, draw out plausible solutions and lastly, construct within the design can mitigate these flooding within makes the Division’s work more For further comments, where people are encouraged to within the budget frame. the CBD as shown on Figure 5. visible to the member countries Frances B Reupena contribute their skills and time to Sector Coordinator and the general public, but “...will Level 5, DBS Building Now with the establishment of the Land Transport Ponding levels are found to be within 100-200mm provide improvements and sup- Email: [email protected] also prove endlessly useful to Phone: 23800 ext 291 Authority, the Ministry saw fit to implement the re- within certain areas of the stream relatively close to port, which they do freely. maining works of this project with the LTA. Mulivai the constricting areas causing major breaches (back SOPAC staff in their day-to-day Papalii Mataia M Mataia Deputy Sector Coordinator Stream was found to be one of the major contributors of Chan Mow Wholesale etc). work. It is easier to share data “OSS systems are the driving Level 5, DBS Building Email: [email protected] to the flooding within Savalalo (Ah Chong Building, Simple a friendly reminder as a conclusion, please and duplication of effort can be force in connecting people and Phone: 23800 ext 292 Lucky Foodtown), Fugalei (Market) and other remote stop littering in our streams, you will not only help cre- processes globally in real time avoided. Peni Allen parts of the eastern end of CBD (Marist Brothers, ate clear and uncluttered drain paths for our country, and giving smaller countries in the Performance Monitoring & Public Relations Officer Level 5, DBS Building create healthy and safe surroundings but most impor- “In the past, specialists within Email: [email protected] Australian High Commission, JICA). Pacific region equal footing in in- Phone: 23800 ext 275 SOPAC have utilized a diverse tantly we will be building a sustainable environment formation technology. Ultimately, Readers & Stakeholders involved in LTA contracted the remaining works with Bluebird Ah for our future generations. set of tools to create, manage, I believe, OSS is a more much LAL and Woods & Partners to fully design the hy- analyze and display geospatial the Water & Sanitation Sector can beneficial and sustainable ap- draulics of deepening the Mulivai Stream, October data on digital maps that have contribute to our newsletter via: proach to ICT development in the 2010. The team of specialists will derive a series of been acquired from a variety of region” concluded Mr. Singh. [email protected] detailed designs for earthworks methods, sediment different sources.” The new sys- control, tideflex valve designs and drainage levels.
Consolidating the “Water for Life” InitiativesConsolidating the “Water for Life” Initiatives In January to March 2011, Bluebird Ah LAL and Woods & Partners have hosted several progress
Figure 4: Existing Flooding Depth and Velocity Peak Mulivai Flows Figure 5: Flooding Depths and flows for Mulivai Deepening Works
Samoa Water For Life Newsletter - Issue # 11 Page 2 Page 7
KEW Consult Awarded :“Detail Design & Supervision Assistance” A related issue in many Pacific Island Countries for 6 Village Schemes and Territories is that Global Positioning Systems (GPS) equipment is not recognized as legal sur- The Independent Water Scheme Water Supply 2nd Round of schemes to be upgraded in July veying equipment,”...despite the accuracy that sat- Sub-sector have completed its 1st Tender on Detail 2011 are: ellite technology makes available. Consequently, Design and Supervision Assistance for the below 1. Solosolo surveys have to be carried out in traditional ways, six (6) schemes with KEW Consult LTD as the win- 2. Falevao supported by the analysis of aerial photography,” ning Contractor. The Evaluation Committee mem- 3. Lalomauga explained Dr. Forstreuter. bers composed representatives from WSCU, MOF, 4. Sataoa SWA, MOH, IWSA and MWCSD. This contract 5. Lotofaga Safata Traditionally, Lands Departments have been the “Scientists from round the Pacific now have easier was signed on Monday 28th March, 2011 and work 6. Falelatai plus Patamea & Matautu Avao only source of mapping in a country, used by our access to the Geographical Information stored at is underway for the Ministry and IWSA to assist schemes to complete minor additional work to be government departments such as Forestry, or util- KEW Consult team on site visits to six (6) schemes on their water systems. Engineers will supervise Applied Geoscience and Technology Division ity organizations such as electricity companies. on preparation of detailed schemes. upgrade works of the two schemes and the water (SOPAC). Secretariat of the Pacific Community,” committee will be responsible with most of the up- Dr. Forstreuter said that since the year 2000, said Mr. Sachindra Singh, Systems Developer, 2nd Tender is currently been advertised on “Supply grade work. space borne image data, or satellite imagery, has SOPAC Information Communication Technology and Delivery of Pipes & Fittings” for upgrade work been available for mapping at a scale of 1:10,000, Department (ICT). in July 2011. The deadline submission of tenders and that GIS and image software have become so “Since August last year, the ICT Department has is Monday 18th April, 2011 @ 1pm and our aim is user friendly that it is not necessary to have a to try and get the materials on time before up- worked to unify the catalogue SOPAC’s diverse background in surveying to use these. grades work set to start in July 2011. geographical data collection under a standardized, Satellite sensors work in way similar to a photo- secure and user-friendly system.” Completed Technical Evaluation on EIB tender for copier, so that the image is not distorted. The user Mr. Singh explained that this undertaking solely “preparation of Conceptual and Detailed Designs” map on the computer screen immediately using utilized Open Source Software (OSS) geospatial and the report is now with the Tenders Board for satellite information and images. systems , which enabled the Division to cost- approval before evaluation continues on the finan- Visit @ Solosolo Scheme cial bids. The European Investment Bank has pro- In the past there has been the tendency for donor effectively develop the online solution in a rela- vided a fund of $€250,000.00 to assist IWSA/IWS assistance to countries Lands Departments to rein- tively short amount of time. on upgrade designs as well as capacity building force old technology rather than establish facilities Regional governments are actively seeking activities for its water committee members. This for the analysis of space borne image data. SOPAC’s assistance with the installation and train- contract is set to start before the end of April 2011. Therefore other departments and organizations ing in OSS geospatial systems, which was initially Memorandum of Understanding will be signed have created their own faster and more efficient funded through the Islands Information Systems amongst the Ministry, the Contractors and the six mapping facilities, using the new technologies. Development Project (EDF8), because, Mr. Singh (6) water committees to ensure all parties agree to To ensure that all surveys carried out using GIS said, OSS systems have very low total cost of conditions and roles to play during the implementa- software, image analysis software dna GPS re- ownership and will provide long-term sustainability tion of upgrade works. lated software work properly the projection of a to the region’s governments ICT services.
Launching of Rehabilitation/Upgrade works will Falevao intake country using the international grid needs to be They are also recommended by major donor agen- take place when the upgrades complete for all 6 installed. cies such as United Nations Agencies, the Euro- schemes. Dr. Forstreuter said that international grids might pean Union, World Bank, AUSAid and NZAid that
be difficult to apply to low-lying Pacific Island fund Pacific-based projects, which are adminis- 1st round of schemes that already been upgraded Countries and Territories s sea levels follow loca- tered by SOPAC. under the WaSSP Programme are as follows: 1. Matautu - Safai, Satoalepai, Fagamalo, Lelepa, tional gravity, not an idealized worldwide ellipsoid. Speaking at the Geographical Informational (GIS) Avao, Saleia & Manase In these cases the height indicated on the map is Satellite Radar User Conference recently held in 2. Patamea - Patamea, Samalaeulu & Mauga not related to mean seal level. However, this can Suva, Ms. Abigail Baca of the World Bank’s Wash- 3. Satupaitea be overcome with correct geodetic knowledge, as ington-based Global Facility for Disaster Reduction 4. Saoluafata has taken place in Tonga and Samoa, which now and Recovery (GFDRR) endorsed SOPAC’s use of 5. Aufaga have new grid systems. OSS. Upgrade works at Lalomauga Scheme
Samoa Water For Life Newsletter - Issue # 11 Page 3 Page 6 BIOGAS PROJECT News from the Pacific News from the Pacific at Youth with a Mission (YWAM) Falelauniu
Pacific Island countries and territories are chal- system. Biogas is emerging as potential alternative tech- sealed with no negative impacts on the environ- lenged by the necessity to update their maps to “Often legal ownership is based on these old nology suitable for providing renewable energy ment. Maintenance requirements are minimal reflect the current day realities. “Countries are maps and old systems,” said Dr. Forstreuter. at minimal cost. This system is widely used in and the overflow waste water and waste mate- utilizing several mapping systems, or projections, Asian countries like China and Vietnam with rial from the system are ideal for fertilizer for in parallel, “ explained Dr. Wolf Forstreuter, Dr. Forstreuter further explained that islands are significant adoption by Pacific regional countries crops and vegetable gardens. SOPAC’s Remote Sensing and Geographical In- not stable, but are moving, due to two different including Samoa. formation Systems (GIS) Specialist. SOPAC is reasons. The first reason is when there is tec- Due to biogas technology positive environ- the Applied Geoscience tonic shift, an effect that Members of the Sanitation Technical Commit- mental impact through improved waste and and Technology Divi- is visible in Tonga, or tee were fortunate to have had the opportunity waste water management as well as promoting sion of the secretariat of the very recent case of to visit and observe the biogas project of Youth renewable energy use, biogas systems can be the Pacific Community Japan when the whole with a Mission (YWAM) at Falelauniu on 30th seen as ideal for future. (SPC). country shifted two me- March, 2010. YWAM has developed the first ters within a few hours. successful biogas technology in Samoa using “For example, road net- Secondly, the coastal mostly local materials for the construction of works river systems, ocean currents can drift biogas systems for disposal of sanitation waste coastlines, contour lines sand away from one water, piggery waste and vegetable fruit waste. and village locations side of a small island The purpose of the site visit was to gauge and are available on differ- and settle it on another review YWAM knowledge and idea of the bio- ent maps. Often each side. gas technology they have developed and has different accuracy adopted for assessment on its application for and a different projec- “Today, previously ex- sanitation and waste disposal at the village tion. They do no over- isting land parcels on level. The site visit started with a presentation lay or fit one on top of one side of an island on the YWAM biogas project delivered by the other,” continued may be in the ocean, YWAM leader and director Rev. Usufono Fepu- Dr. Forstreuter. while on the other side new land exists without leai, followed by a tour of the biogas systems. Dr. Forstreuter said that discrepancies are the ownership. Often Lands Departments deal with result of several factors: the mapping carried out At YWAM, the technology requires the con- maps where land parcels do not fit the actual by the first surveyors at the end of the 19th cen- struction of a water and airtight dome chamber river system, or with maps where the island has tury; tectonic shift, which contributes to is shifting underground using bricks, clay and cement. drifted away,” said Dr. Forstreuter. position; legal challenges associated with using They have developed two sizes of the system a old maps, and the need for Lands Departments to To address these land shifts and find a perma- 3m 3 volume system suitable for a single house- move to the use of remote sensing data and new nent solution presents an enormous challenge, hold and a 16m 3 volume for larger institution. software. not to mention workload, for countries Lands De- This system produces methane gas suitable for partments. cooking on locally adapted stoves. The gas By the end of the 19th century, surveyors had produced can be piped into the house for cook- already developed grid systems covering large “Land ownership and land parcel boundaries ing. It can also be used for gas fueled lighting parts of Europe. When the first mapping of island have high legal and cultural value in Pacific Is- and for heating water. It has important benefits countries took place, a grid system was created land Countries and Territories. Once maps have not only in providing renewable energy at mini- for each island that had no reference point to any been stamped and declared legal, they remain in mal cost, but also ensures that sanitation was existing maps, as there were no orientation points force, even if details, such as river systems, are wastewater disposal systems are effectively to link to another point of an existing mapping incorrectly marked,” said Dr. Forstreuter.
Samoa Water For Life Newsletter - Issue # 11 Page 4 Page 5 The first was an educational bus tour and site Overall, the Samoa World Water Day 2011 was a visit for the village and school representatives on Samoa’s World Water Day 2 0 1 1 - Theme: the various high-tech facilities around town which cater to water supply (Fuluasou Treatment Plant), wastewater treatment (Sogi Waste Water Treat- “Water for Cities: Working Together for ment Plant) and sludge treatment and proposal (Tafaigata Sludge Treatment Facility). The trip Water Management in Samoa’s Urban Communities.” indicated the challenges facing government in trying to ensure that good quality water is sup- plied to communities, and that wastewater is well The main purpose for this year’s theme is to raise managed in order to avoid environmental prob- the profile of water management in the urban com- lems. munities and the many impacts which the urban communities impose on water resources. The theme cross cuts the entire water sector, highlight- ing the complex and substantial efforts and issues which government face with regards to water man- agement in the urban setting. The theme was re- pleasurable and educational day for all the partici- pants. Robert Louis Stevenson’s College teacher, flected on all the activities carried out throughout the day, which were coordinated in partnership by Ms. Faasau stated that “our class enjoyed the the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment day and they have learnt so much on water man- (MNRE) and the Samoa Water Authority (SWA). agement which I am certain will be useful for their school activities and research projects”.
The opening ceremony for the day could not have which included water bottles, t-shirts, bags and um- been carried out at a more appropriate place, than brellas upon arrival. General Manager of SWA, Afioga Tainau Moefaauo Titimaea and Assistant on the small hill overlooking the Fuluasou Water Supply Treatment Plant which services much of Chief Executive Officer of MNRE, Afioga Sului- manaia Amataga Penaia greeted the guests and media during the opening ceremony, which was blessed by Rev. Seuga Aumua of the Lotopa As- The second program was the start of a River sembly of God Church. Following the opening Cleanup Campaign for the Fuluasou River. Mem- ceremony guests were treated to a delicious Sa- bers of the public assisted the MNRE in picking moan breakfast of vaisalo, kokoesi and suafa’i. up non-biodegradable rubbish within the channel of the river and promoting awareness to villages around Apia on the need to protect rivers from This was followed by displays by the various Sa- pollution, as it is the source of water supplies and moa Water and Sanitation sub-sectors and a tree out flowing waters into the reefs. Cars and other planting activity within the compounds of the treat- heavy objects in the river are planned to be re- ment plant as part of Samoa’s One Million Tree Hon. Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi moved throughout the year as part of the cam- During the opening ceremony Campaign, before the other main activities of the paign. day. Apart from the extensive awareness cam- Much appreciation is extended to the organizing A closing ceremony was undertaken at the end of Apia and surrounding villages. Invitees included paign on the local media, the MNRE and SWA co- committee for their tireless work in making the the Samoa Prime Minister, the Honourable Tuila- ordinated two main programs so as to fully reflect the day at the Sogi Wastewater Treatment Plant. Participating colleges and higher institutes were day a success, as well as to the Government of epa Sailele Malielegaoi, cabinet ministers, donor the theme of the Samoa World Water Day 2011. Samoa and the various donor partners who sup- partners, CEOs and stakeholders from all the given certificates to remind them of their involve- ported the day financially. agencies within the Samoa Water and Sanitation ment in the Samoa World Water Day 2011. Sector, community leaders, youth groups, and rep- resentatives from colleges, institutes, and universi- ties in Apia, as well as members of the public. The more than 250 guests were treated to a firsthand experience within the treatment facility which is of- ten closed to public access, as to protect the integ- rity of water supply.
Interested members of the public wanting to partici- pate in the day’s programs were transported to the site of the opening ceremony (about 15km from the Town Area) on buses used to display the IWRM
Project. All the participants received specially de- signed information kits and awareness materials