The report below outlines damage caused and progress as at 21 December, however, extensive work has been completed by the team of the Samoa Water Authority in an “all hands on deck” approach over the past two days; and water supply has been fully restored to households across Samoa.
The preliminary report not only outlines the substantial damage, but also the extreme conditions the SWA team endured, as they worked to restore Samoa’s water supply.
Report in Verbatim:
Despite the substantial damage caused to our water supply infrastructure by the unprecedented floods, the Samoa Water Authority has managed to repair and restore water supply to our customers.
The most affected areas in Upolu are now back online as of last night and we continue to vigilantly monitor these areas to ensure sustainability of our repair and recovery efforts.
We are also performing verification follow up phone calls to our customers who called in for assistance to ensure that their issues have indeed been addressed.
A summary as follows:
Upolu
- Major Damage to Water Supply Infrastructure:
- Fuluasou Network
- Alaoa Network
- Tafitoala Network
Mobilization of SWA Recovery
Response
Whole of SWA immediately mobilized to repair, rehabilitate and mitigate effects of damage to our networks and systems.
(i) Fuluasou Network
Designated response teams to Fuluasou River to repair the transmission mains which were damaged and swept away by the flood.
Access to the transmission mains impossible on Friday due to swollen raging river where the mains run alongside, and we were only able to gain access on Saturday morning.
Repair works commenced in perilous conditions. Established a base camp on site where a team of 30 plus performed repair works.
As of 21 December 2020, within a 36-hour turnaround period we managed to fully restore both Fuluasou systems and are now monitoring effectiveness of repair works.
(ii) Alaoa Network
Moderate damage to Alaoa network requiring immediate rehabilitation works to bring it fully back online. As a temporary interim fix other systems were used to extend coverage to some areas in the Alaoa service area.
Damage moderate compared to damage to Fuluasou network. Established base camp at Alaoa to address fluctuating supply and pressure issues in problem areas such as Vailele and Fagalii.
As of 21 December 2020, all of Alaoa system back online and we are currently monitoring effectiveness of repair and rehabilitation works.
(iii) Tafitoala Network
Tafitoala Treatment Plant distribution main situated on the Tafitoala ford sustained major damage. Immediate dispatch to repair and enable Tafitoala to be back online within 24-hour turnaround period.
Current Status
(i) Fuluasou Network
All systems for Fuluasou fully restored. Monitoring and following up to verify all customers back online.
(ii) Alaoa Network
All systems for Alaoa fully restored. Monitoring and following up to verify all customers back online
(iii) Tafitoala Network
All of Tafitoala system fully restored. Monitoring in progress.
Savaii
Savaii sustained minor damage in particular our Palauli Treatment Plant which suffered from issues due to heavy flooding and dirty (suspended solids) water necessitating reduction of flow into plant.
Interim measures initiated to extend coverage to areas affected while we worked on rectifying plant issues. As of date all systems in Savaii back online and fully restored.
