Residents of Apopo Village in Bereina, Central Province, are now benefiting from clean, treated water following the official launch of a new solar-powered water pumping and filtration system on Saturday, November 14, 2026.
The project was launched by the Member for Kairuku and Minister for Energy, Hon. Peter N. Isoaimo, providing crucial relief to the community amidst the ongoing El Niño dry spell.
Initiated as a family-led effort by the four Buana brothers to improve local water access, the system was made possible through K70,000 in funding from the Kairuku District Development Authority (KDDA).
The concept originated during a community volleyball tournament hosted by the brothers between December 2024 and January 2025, which brought together residents from Oreke Village, Bereina Village, and Bereina Station. Invited to the tournament, Minister Isoaimo witnessed a solar-powered water-pumping demonstration staged using marketing materials provided by BNBM Home Centre, where one of the brothers, Emmanuel Miria, is employed.
Impressed by the demonstration, the Minister encouraged the brothers to submit a formal proposal. Funding was subsequently approved and disbursed in October, allowing the family to purchase solar panels, an inverter, two batteries, pumps, filters, and a 9,000-litre storage tank from BNBM Home Centre.
The system operates entirely on solar energy, eliminating the high fuel costs associated with diesel generators:
• Filtration: Water is drawn from a local well and pumped through two 20-inch microfilters into the 9,000-litre storage tank.
• Distribution: Before reaching the village taps, the water passes through an additional three 10-inch filters to ensure it is safe for consumption.
• Future Upgrades: While the current system relies strictly on daytime sunlight, the brothers plan to install a 240-volt pump in the future to improve water delivery at night.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Isoaimo praised Emmanuel Miria and the Buana family for contributing their time and labour to turn public funding into a practical, life-changing service.
"This project demonstrates the true value of using public funds for their intended purpose," Minister Isoaimo said. He noted that residents from neighbouring Bereina villages are already collecting water from the site, adding that the facility will serve as a vital lifeline during severe water shortages.
While celebrating the community-driven success, the Minister also highlighted the strict funding limits the district faces when balancing competing development needs, urging more communities to take ownership of local projects.