RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS (6 November 2023) – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is
pleased to announce the commencement of project works to improve the water, sanitation and
hygiene (WASH) facilities of Cook Islands’ schools this month.
ADB, the Cook Islands Ministry of Education, Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC), and
schools on Rarotonga have finalized Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) to commence the
facility improvements following an extensive 18-month planning and procurement process.
Work is scheduled to begin in mid-November 2023, with completion expected before the beginning of
the 2024 school year.
Through this agreement , upgrades to WASH facilities, such as toilets, handwashing stations, and
water filters, at ten schools in Rarotonga will be completed, raising the ratio of persons to WASH
facilities in Rarotonga schools. Clean water resources will also be improved in the Pa Enua under the
agreements and contributions made to Phase 1 of the Te Tau Papa o Avarua Town Plan, including the
installation of a wheelchair-accessible drinking fountain in Punanga Nui Market, Avarua, Rarotonga.
The activities are implemented under and funded by ADB’s regional Technical Assistance project (TA
6551), Strengthening WASH Practices and Hygiene Behavioral Change in the Pacific. The TA aims to
strengthen the capacity of Pacific members to prevent disease transmission through enhanced WASH
practices and enabling environment.
The project seeks to improve handwashing practices among students and staff in Rarotonga’s schools
and will ensure clean water access throughout the Cook Islands. An awareness raising campaign to
support better hygiene practices, benefiting both students and the broader community, is also planned
for delivery under the project following facility improvements.
Rarotonga schools that will receive support under the project are: Apii Avarua, Apii St Joseph,
Nukutere College, Tereora College, Apii Arorangi, Apii Rutaki, Apii Papaaroa, Titikaveka College, Apii
Imanuela Akatemia, Apii Takitumu.
–ENDS—
For more information please contact: Ine Sosene
Consultant, ADB Strengthening WASH Practices in the Pacific Technical Assistance (TA 6551)
E: inez.sosene@gmail.com; P: +682 56749
[Front row, L-R] Allan Jensen (CIIC CEO), Lavinia Tama (ADB CIsl. Country Manager), Sanjinita Sunish (Acting Secretary of Education)
