The Church of Jesus Christ Brings Clean Water to Samoa and Papua New Guinea Villages

Communities in Samoa and Papua New Guinea received improved access to clean water, thanks to humanitarian projects funded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

In Samoa, the Church partnered with the Vaisigano Second District and the Samoan Ministry of Health to install two 10,000-liter water tanks at Sataua Primary School on the island of Savai‘i. An additional 206 water tanks, each holding 2,000 liters, were distributed to homes across the villages of Fagasa, Sataua and Papa Sataua—benefiting approximately 1,900 people, including 1,000 schoolchildren.

“For a school, the ability to capture and store this water is the difference between staying open and closing down,” said Elder Brian Bott, a senior missionary serving with his wife, Sister Lori Bott.

The Botts, who regularly travel by ferry from Upolu to Savai‘i, say their mission is rooted in improving health and education outcomes while sharing God’s love.

“Water is part of it,” Sister Bott said. “But anything to do with the health or education of the Samoan people, and to let them know of God’s love for them, that’s what we’re about.”

Donation efforts in Samoa have also included classroom desks, library shelves and sanitary flooring— initiatives aimed at improving day-to-day learning environments.

In the highland village of Riwaldi, in Papua New Guinea’s Rigo District, community members marked the completion of a new Church-funded water well and public restrooms during a ceremony on Friday, May 2, 2025.

Students performed traditional dances and local leaders spoke about the projects’ immediate impact.

“There is a problem in our community because we live in the high hills, and sometimes we find it difficult to find water,” said project supervisor Ilagi Kema. “Where there is water, there is life. This is a way forward, and it is a blessing for our community.”

In both Samoa and Papua New Guinea, the Church’s humanitarian efforts aim to address basic needs and promote long-term health, education and self-reliance. Clean, reliable water continues to be one of the most life-changing resources provided.

“These water projects are just a small part of the Church’s broader commitment to lifting communities and showing love through service,” Elder Bott said.