The commissioning of a desalination plant on Viwa island in the Yasawa group in Fiji on Friday has ended the villagers' dependence on uncertain rainfall for a clean water supply.
The commissioning of the plant, which is funded through the Pacific Environment Community Fund, marks the point at which it can be put to use for the first time.
The deputy secretary general of the Pacific Islands Forum, Feleti Teo, says the project will benefit about 240 residents on the island, giving them a safe and sustained supply of water.
The island of Viwa is one of four sites participating in the Fiji Water Desalination Project.
The others are the islands of Kia and Kavewa in the Macuata Province and Vanuavatu in the Lau group.