Kiribati has signed a deal worth 4.1 million US dollars to increase access to safe water and sanitation in 35 villages in the Gilbert group.
Beach in Kiribati Photo: RNZI
Funded by the European Union and to be implemented by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, the Water and Sanitation in Kiribati Outer Islands project will focus on improving water and sanitation infrastructure on the 16 islands of Kiribati's Gilbert group.
Kiribati's High Commissioner in Fiji, Reteta Rimon, has welcomed the support, saying the people of the outer Gilbert Islands live in a harsh environment.
She says this contributes to the disparity that exists between the local socio-economic conditions and those in the capital, South Tarawa.
The SPC's director-general Dr Colin Tukuitonga said the main aim of the project is to improve human health and reduce poverty.