Luganville and Mele Water Supply systems and the Water Demand Management Program

Two water supply systems in Vanuatu are included in the WDM programme – Luganville and Mele.



Luganville, with an approximate population of 12,000, is an urban centre on Espirito Santo. Luganville’s water is sourced from a bore which is pumped to two reservoirs, then gravity fed to connections. The Public Works Department is responsible for operation and management, with household and commercial connections metered and charged for water consumed.



Mele is a semi-rural system serving an estimated population of 4000. Mele is situated approximately 8 kilometers from Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu. Surface water gravity feeds into a single reservoir, from where two separate reticulation networks supply households with water. This community water supply system is managed by the local Mele Water Committee, with support from the Vanuatu Department of Geology, Mines & Water Resources.



The reports below detail initial assessments conducted in 2009 of the requirements and recommendations for implementing the most cost-effective water loss management strategies for Luganville and Mele. Priority recommendations are currently being addressed with the support of the WDM Programme.