The Office of the President in Kiribati has responded to desperate pleas for fresh water supplies from the people of Banaba.
Abandoned water tank on Banaba Photo: supplied
The Pacnews Agency reported a directive came from the President's Office in Tarawa to send a chartered vessel to the island, with much-needed fresh water supplies for the 300 residents on the island.
The email assured the people of Banaba that a desalination plant would also be shipped across.
The Office of the President confirmed it would work with the Australia and New Zealand High Commissions in Tarawa on shipping more water to the island.
On Wednesday island elder, Roubena Ritata, sent a distress call to the government and the international community for help.
Reports from the island suggest there had been no significant rainfall for over six months.
Ritata said the drought and water crisis in Banaba was in a 'desperate situation' and the 300 residents were 'dying for clean water.'
A New Zealand Minstry of Foreign Affairs and Trade official confirmed a request for assistance.
She says New Zealand and Australia are to charter a ship to transport technicians to repair the desalination plant on Banaba as well as to transport fresh drinking water.
