02/03/2026
UUSC Supports Life-Saving Water Access for Vulnerable Island Communities in Solomon Islands
The Ecological Solutions Foundation (ESF) extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) for its generous support through the Loss and Damage Grant 2022-2023, which has enabled the provision of 5 x 5,000-litre rainwater tanks to some of the most water-insecure communities in the Solomon Islands.
The support benefits the low-lying islands of the Three Sisters Islands—namely, Malaupaina Island and Malaulalo Island—and Su’umoli Village on Ulawa Island—communities that lack existing water supply systems. For these island and coastal populations, access to clean and safe water has long been a daily struggle.
The newly installed rainwater tanks are already making a transformative difference, particularly for women, children, youth, girls, the elderly, and people with disabilities, who are most affected by water scarcity. With clean water now available closer to homes, families are experiencing improved hygiene, reduced physical burden, and greater dignity in meeting their daily needs.
This initiative reflects UUSC’s commitment to climate justice, addressing loss and damage impacts faced by frontline communities that contribute least to climate change yet experience its harshest effects. Through this partnership, ESF and UUSC are strengthening community resilience with practical, community-led solutions.
Women and children are often responsible for fetching water, which can require walking long distances, exposing them to physical strain and safety risks. Elderly individuals may struggle with limited mobility, making it difficult to access clean water for their daily needs. This scarcity not only affects health and hygiene but also limits opportunities for education and economic participation, particularly for women and children.
Voices from the Community
“Previously, we had to fetch water from far away, which made life very hard, especially for women,” said Judith Hou of Su’umoli Village. “Now, the rainwater tank has made a big difference for our community.”
An elderly person on Malaulalo Island, Mrs. Selina Tolairamo, highlighted that “Life is now easy with the rainwater tank close to their home. We no longer had to walk inland to access water sources in the swamp where the sago palms are growing.”
“When water is scarce, the burden falls most heavily on women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities,” said Hensllyn Pwe’a Boseto of ESF. “Providing rainwater tanks has significantly improved their livelihoods.”
The Ecological Solutions Foundation acknowledges UUSC’s solidarity and partnership in ensuring that vulnerable island communities are not left behind. Access to clean water is a fundamental human right, and this support represents hope, dignity, and resilience for communities facing increasing climate risks.
