Hilo, Hawaii January 2, 2024 – A ceremonial signing for an agreement between USDA Rural Development Hawaii/Western Pacific and the Republic of Marshall Islands government for construction a new Majuro sewage outfall was held December 29, 2023 at the RMI Capitol Building in Delap.
Participants included members of the U.S. Embassy, Majuro government officials, the Majuro Water and Sewer Company and USDA Rural Development.
USDA Rural Development is investing $10,862,000 in the Republic of the Marshall Islands for replacement of the existing sewage outfall in Majuro. This Persistent Poverty Grant from the Water and Environmental Program will provide critical funding to replace the badly damaged and corroded system which has been discharging untreated sewage in close proximity to the coast in shallow water, creating a public health and ecological risk.
This project will replace and improve the sewage outfall, which will reduce the risk of exposure to island residents and improve the environmental health of the area. The proposed project will be facilitated by the Majuro Water and Sewer Company and will involve installation of a new 16-inch High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipeline that will be anchored in place across the reef flats and down the reef slope to a depth of 50 to 100 feet. At that location, the wastewater will be discharged via a diffuser tree.
The use of the HDPE removes the risk of hydrogen sulfide corrosion and allows for pipe flexing from wave forces which contributed to the existing pipe’s failure. USDA’s Water and Environmental Programs provides funding for construction of and improvements to water and waste facilities in rural communities across the United States, its territories, and the Freely Associated States.
The program also provides funding to organizations that provide technical assistance and training to these rural communities in relation to their water and waste activities. Safe drinking water and sanitary waste disposal systems are vital not only to public health, but also to the economic vitality of rural communities.
Rural Development is proud to be a leader in helping rural communities improve the quality of life and increase economic opportunities for rural residents.
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