We caught up with our Vanuatu volunteer Chris Hartnett to find out what drove him into volunteering at the Department of Water Resources (DoWR).

"Approaching the end of High School I didn’t have much of an idea what to do next, then I had a conversation with a friend who had been to an open day at Auckland University. He explained to me what he’d learnt about Engineering, and how different kinds of Engineers are responsible for almost everything that is built and operates around us. This conversation stuck with me, and perhaps the fact that it took place in a spa pool influenced my decision to pursue a career in water.

Working in water takes you to interesting places, and I’m very privileged now to be volunteering with the Department of Water Resources (DoWR) on the extremely interesting island of Espiritu Santo in Vanuatu. This is a joint assignment between VSA and EWBNZ and is primarily designed to build the capacity of DoWR staff in delivering the Drinking Water Safety and Security Plan (DWSSP) program as part of meeting SDG6 by 2030.

Just last week we had a real highlight in delivering a facilitator’s training for 56 participants on how to deliver the 5-day DWSSP workshops in rural communities across Vanuatu. This was a great way to share some of our lessons learnt in running the workshops, developing implementation programs and following through to construction of upgrades to existing water systems, as well as building new ones.

The range of experiences I have gained on this assignment has been immense. From helping to coordinate the WASH emergency response for the Ambae volcano eruption, to installing solar water pumping systems, learning the local pidjin language of Bislama, constructing gravity-fed systems, monitoring contractors and building rainwater harvesting shelters. I can safely say that I’ve been able to get my hands dirty over the last year and a half.. but always been sure to wash them again after (with soap)!

My time in Vanuatu has cemented my feeling that following a career in water was a good idea as water is more than a career, or as we say here “Wota hemi laef” (Water is life). This is true in any language, but access to water is clearly becoming more difficult as conflict and climate disrupt communities across the world. These factors will continue to present great barriers to dignified and healthy lives for millions, but I am grateful for the opportunity to lend a hand where I can to reach solutions."

Chris' placement is a collaboration between EWBNZ and VSA, and is made possible by the support of the New Zealand Aid Programme.