International Waters learning Exchange & Resource Network

Republic of Marshall Islands: Integrated water management and development plan for Laura groundwater lens, Majuro Atoll (site 2)

Aims: To improve water resources management, reduce groundwater pollution and improve water supply around the Laura area

Activities: Provision of wastewater, sanitation, solid waste and recycling facilities; Repair Maintenance of infrastructure for groundwater supply; Water resource use planning and monitoring using Geographic Information System (GIS); establishment of a Laura Lens Integrated Water Resource Plan.

2586 - PAS Implementing Sustainable Integrated Water Resource and Wastewater Management in the Pacific Island Countries - under the GEF Pacific Alliance for Sustainability


"3(b) INDICATOR#2: REDUCTION IN POLLUTION SOURCES DISCHARGING INTO LAURA
GROUNDWATER
At the time of project inception, there was no action underway for reducing pollution discharges into Laura groundwater. The target of the project is to achieve 30% reduction in sources discharging into Laura groundwater. To date the number of households and pollutant sources have been identified and characterized. Pollution from pig waste has been identified as a major source. Preliminary work has been done to remediate a large broken pig waste septic at a commercial piggery and conversion of its operation to a dry litter system, and conversion of 15 household pig pens to dry litter system from typical water intensive wash down pens. An ECOSAN pilot activity is also underway in the Laura community, with 3 pilot systems constructed at prominent locations in Laura community. The national IWRM Plan for RMI is being developed and contains targeted costed actions for pig waste management and ECOSAN replication and scaling-up."

"2(a) INDICATOR#1: BEST IWRM AND WUE APPROACHES DEFINED
Prior to project inception a consultant had been engaged to identify IWRM and WUE needs for the Marshall Islands. Although these had not been considered by communities or relevant agencies of government. The target was to have the approach defined and endorsed by national APEX body. Via the operation of a national consultation process, involving communities and women’s groups, priorities for and steps towards institutionalizing IWRM approaches in the RMI have been developed and endorsed by the National IWRM Task Force.

2(b) INDICATOR#2: INCREASE IN COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT WITH NATIONAL GOVERNMENT ON WATER ISSUES
At the time of project inception, the relationship with the Laura community and national government was tenuous due to a history of dispute over water resource access and allocation. Prior to project commencement, only 2 community group representatives occasionally took part in government workshops. Regular engagement of traditional leaders, landowners, and Laura residents with government through the operation of the community-based Laura Lens Committee has assisted with developing a common understanding and trust between the community, with on average 12 community leaders meeting on a quarterly basis with government.

2(c) INDICATOR#3: MULTI-SECTORAL APEX BODY IN PLACE
At the time of project inception, there was no APEX body for water in the RMI. The target of the project was to have such a body established and operational by July 2010. RMI’s National IWRM Task Force was established by Executive Order and includes membership off all relevant community and traditional leaders, national government departments, local governments, private sector and NGOs. The Task Force is actively leading coordination, policy development, and planning. "

Photo
Data
Year 2012
Reporting date 14-Mar
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