South Tarawa Sanitation Project (STSP)

The South Tarawa Sanitation Project (STSP) is making strong progress in improving sanitation services and public health outcomes for communities across South Tarawa. Supported by the World Bank, this project is delivering real, visible improvements to the daily lives of families in Betio, Bairiki, and Bikenibeu.

Left: One of the newly constructed communal toilet facilities in Betio. Right: PUB’s new sewer jetting equipment in action, keeping South Tarawa’s sewerage network clean and flowing.

A major milestone was reached in March 2026 when the Honourable Minister for Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy officially opened the first three rehabilitated communal toilets in Betio. These modern facilities represent a significant upgrade for local communities, with more toilet blocks set to be commissioned in the coming months as part of a programme to rehabilitate 30 communal toilets across the area.

Sewerage network maintenance has stepped up significantly. New jetting machines and a vacuum truck have arrived in-country, and active sewer cleaning is already underway — with over one kilometre of sewerage lines cleaned around Pump Station 5. PUB staff are receiving hands-on training with the new equipment to build long-term maintenance capability.

Community engagement is central to this project. A Social and Behavioural Change Campaign (SBCC) was officially launched at the World Water Day celebrations on 23 March 2026, raising awareness about water, sanitation, and hygiene across South Tarawa. WASH demonstration models have been installed at KIT, with Training of Trainers sessions completed to help spread good hygiene practices throughout the community.

New household sewer connections and onsite sanitation systems for additional villages are in the planning and procurement stages, with works expected to progress through 2026 and into 2027. The STSP continues to build a cleaner, healthier South Tarawa — one community at a time.