The Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy (MISE) has officially commenced the Abemama Road construction project, a major initiative designed to improve transportation and enhance the quality of life for the residents of Abemama. The project is projected to be completed by 2027.

Upon completion, the road will provide safer and more convenient access to schools, churches, and emergency services, benefiting families and students alike. It is also expected to support everyday life and foster stronger collaboration within the local community.

The ground-breaking ceremony featured a keynote address by the Minister, who emphasized the Government’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure development across the islands. A speech of gratitude was also delivered by CCECC, expressing appreciation to the Government of Kiribati for its trust and robust support in enabling the contractor to carry out this project.

The ceremonial ground-breaking was conducted by Natan Teewe, a respected elder of Abemama, symbolizing the community’s shared dedication to progress and development.

Funded by the Government of Kiribati, this project forms part of a wider initiative to enhance national infrastructure, demonstrating the Government’s ongoing commitment to the prosperity and wellbeing of its people.

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Teniua Kotuei ni kairaki ma karaoan kawain Abemama ae banin bon kanoan te karikirake are e katabwenaki, n te Kaonobong 8 n Novembwa 2025.
N ana maroro ae kakawaki te Minita Hon Tekeeua Tarati, ao e taekinna bwa te bong are e moan katabwenaki iai te mwaneka ae kakawaki aio, bon teuana te mwakoro ae e riai n ataia Abemama, bwa bon kawain te rikirake nakon aia Abamwakoro are e kantaningaki iai tamaroan kawaia, imwiin tian raoi te mwakuri ni karao kawai.

Te mwakuri ni karikirake aio, e bon barongaki man ana rabwata ni Mwakuri te Tautaeka ae te MISE. Aio bon kanoan ana taakete te Tautaeka, are ea kaman tia ni kateia ibukin katekean kanoan ana Kouru, bwa enaki onoti te karao kawai iaon Tarawa, ma ena taketeniia naba aban nako Kiribati aika a mena ibuki, ibukiia ana botannaomata aika a maeka iai.

Te Karikirake ae te karao kawai, e bon mwanenaki mai iroun te Tautaeka ni Kiribati, are e mwakeni abamwakoron Kiribati tabeua, ake bon kanoan ana mwakoro teuana ibukin te kakamwakuri. “ Karaoan Kawain Abemama bon teuana maibuakon aaba, ake ana moanibwaiaki moa ni katiaaki iaan Mwakoro 1, iaan ana karikirake te Tautaeka are karaoan kawai i aonnaba” e taku te Minita.

Te China Civil Engineering Corporation Construction, ngaia ngkai te kambwana, are e tebenako mai ibukoia kambwana ni karaoa kawai, are e na karaoa te karikirake aio man te mwaiti ni mwane, ae e katauaki ngkai ae $28,666.686.89 te mwane n Aotiteria.

E taketenaki bwa 3 Kotueei aika ana karaoaki inanon tain te karao kawai aio, are e katautauaki te mwaiti ni mwane iaona ae $ 5, 354,709 te Mirion te Tara n Aotiteria. Aio te mwane, are e mena iaan ana kabanemwane te Tautaeka, ibukin boutokan ao kaotakin ana bekumwaka te Tautaeka, ibukin Uarokoan te Maeuraoi nakoia ana Botannaomata.

E taketenaki naba bwa e na tabwanin karaoan te karikirake aio, ni banen te ririki 2027. N tian te karikiake aio, ena bon rang nakoraoi aron te mwamwananga iaon Abemama, e bebete naba aron mwanangaia utu ao ataein te reirei, ni kaea te umwantabu ao te Onaoraki, ao ena bon kabirirakea naba te reitanimaiu, ao te reita ni waaki irouia kain Abemama.

Aikai tabeua kanoan ana maroro te Minita aika a kakawaki are kanakoa n te bong anne, n raonaki naba ma ana taeka ni kakaitau CCECC nakon te Tautaeka ibukin onimakinana ma ana buotoka nakon te kambwana aio ibukin karaoan te karikirake aio.

E ngae n anne, ao e karaoaki te katabwenaki n te moan mwakoro aio iroun Unimwanen Abemama ae Natan Teewe.

E a tia te Water and Sanitation Engineering Department (WSED) man te Botaki ni mwakuri ibukin Mwakurian Karikirake ao Kateimatoaan Korakora (MISE) ni karaoa bukamaruan bongin te ran ke te World Water Day, ni kawarii Primary Schools tabeua ake a tia n rineaki man te Botaki n Reirei, n 28th bongin Maati, 2025 ma te boto n iango ae “Water preservation and security” ke “Kamanoan te ran n mooi ae itiaki ibukin maurira”.

Te MISE n ikotaki ma te Bootaki ni Mwakuri ibukin te Mauri ao Katoki Aoraki (MHMS), te Bootaki n Reirei (MOE), te Kiribati Institute of Technology (KIT), Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Live and Learn, Red Cross, ao UNICEF are a kaaina te tiim ibukin bukamaruaan bongin te ran ao n ikarekebai ni karaoi mwakuri ni kaitiaki nakon reirei aika te Rurubao Primary School iaon Bairiki, ao Abaunamou Primary School iaon Teaoraereke.

N rokoia kain te tiim aio n taian reirei ao a bon katauraoi bwaai ni mwakuri ibukin kaitiakan te roki, kaitiaki nanon aia roki ataein te reirei ao n rimwiiaki ma kamataku tabeua mai irouia ataein te reirei n aron kuuna ma kamatenano ake a aneneia ibukin bukamaruan kanoan bongin te ran, ao ai te katoki taka ke te refreshments.

Rabwata ake a anga aia buoka ibukin bongin te ran aio bon Nutiran (MFAT), UNICEF, Live and Learn, te Botaki n Reirei (MOE), Ministry of Health and Medical Services, ao Aileen Hardware.

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In celebration of World Water Day on March 28th, 2025, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy (MISE), through its Water and Sanitation Engineering Department, hosted an inspiring school visit aimed at raising awareness about water preservation and security. The theme for the event was “Water Preservation and Security” or “Kamanoan te ran n mooi ae itiaki ibukin maurira.”

The initiative brought together multiple stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Ministry of Education, Kiribati Institute of Technology, Development Partners, like, UNICEF; and non-governmental organizations such as Live and Learn, and Red Cross. Their collective effort demonstrated the importance of community collaboration in promoting sustainable water management practices

The school visit took place at two primary schools, Rurubao Primary School and Abaunamou Primary School. MISE and its partners distributed cleaning materials to the schools, followed by hands-on activities like cleaning toilets to emphasize hygiene and sanitation. Students also performed self-composed songs related to World Water Day, performing at their school maneaba. The event concluded with refreshments for all participants.

The event successfully highlighted the importance of water conservation and demonstrated the power of unity in addressing environmental challenges. It also served as an opportunity to educate young students about sustainable practices and the role they play in securing their future.

World Water Day 2025 in Kiribati was more than just a celebration, it was a reminder that preserving water resources requires collective responsibility and continuous effort. As Kiribati continues to face environmental challenges, community-driven initiatives like this play a crucial role in fostering long-term resilience and awareness.

This year’s World Water Day event was made possible thanks to the generous support of various donors, including New Zealand (MFAT), UNICEF, Live and Learn, the Ministry of Education (MOE), the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), and Aileen Hardware.

On March 27, 2025, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy, serving as the Secretariat for the Kiribati National Drought Committee, hosted jointly with the Kiribati National Drought Committee ‘the Handing Over Ceremony for 20 Solar Portable Desalination Units.

The event was attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including both government and non-government organizations. The event was graced by the OB Secretary; Ag Director- National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDMO); Senior Assistance Secretary of MISE; Director General of MISE; members of the Kiribati National Drought Committee; Ms. Meredith Ryland, Second Secretary (Development Cooperation), Australian High Commission; UNCEF Representatives; WSED and MISE staff members.

Their presence underscored the collaborative efforts and shared commitment of multiple sectors in addressing water scarcity challenges in Kiribati. These stakeholders played a pivotal role in the successful implementation of the project, which aims to provide sustainable and portable water solutions to drought-affected communities. Their ongoing involvement highlights the importance of partnerships in addressing the global issue of water access in vulnerable areas in Kiribati.

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N 27th bongin Maati 2025, ao te Botaki ni Mwakuri ibukin Mwakurian Karikirake ao Kateimatoaan Korakora (MISE) n riki bwa te Secretariat nakon te Kiribati National Drought Committee ao e karaoa te Handing Over Ceremony ibukin uabwi (20) taian Solar Portable Desalination Units.

Botaki ni Mwakuri ake a roko ni kakoaua kanoan te bong anne bon Stakeholders, Botaki ni mwakuri man te Tautaeka tabeua ao Non-governmental organizations (NGO) ao n rabwatanaki iroun te Tia Koroboki man ana Aobiti te Beretitenti (OB), Ag Director- National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDMO); Senior Assistance Secretary ao Director General man te MISE;  aobitia man te Kiribati National Drought Committee; Ms. Meredith Ryland, Second Secretary (Development Cooperation), Australian High Commission; UNCEF Representatives; Water and Sanitation Engineering Department ao ai bon aobitia tabeman man te MISE.

Rokoia botaki ma rabwata aika a kakaokoro aikai bon kanikinaean te boutoka n ikarekebai ibukin kaitaraan kanganga ake e kaitarai Kiribati ibukin aki taun te ran ke te Water Scarcity. Te karikirake aio e na kateimatoa n karekei ke n katauraoi aanga ibukin kaitaraan kanganga ake ana kona n rootaki iai komiuniti inanon tain te mwautakataka ke drought seasons, ngkai Kiribati bon teuana mai ibuakon aaba aika a rootaki n te mwautakataka.

Imwiin te mwakuri korakora ibukin katiaakin buriiti iaon Marakei aika Nei Tangangau buriiti ao mwakuri ni katamaroa nakon Nei Reei buriiti n ikotaki ma uoua te tai katamaroa nakon te kawai ao e anga bwanaana te Minita Tekeeua Tarati n te botaki ni katabwena iaon Norauea, Marakei bwa ena uboaki ni kanikinakeaki tiana ao ni kaaitauaki ana intinia te MISE n raonaki irouia kain te aba ake a tia n anga korakoraia ibukin buokan katiakin te buriiti aio are e a mwakena naba iai anganakin te Kauntira ni Marakei bwa ena kona ni manga reitaki te mwakuri n tararua iaona.

“I aki maninga n anga te kakaitau nakon raou ni Minita are e a tia n tararua te MISE imwain rokou, are e a Tibiika ngkai Willie Tokataake. Ngaia ma ana taan rabakau ao a tia n iangoia bwa a nang kibaria ...ana kataumwane te Tautaeka rinanon te MISE ae te Maintenance Fund.... Ngke noria bwa iai tataran te mwane ao a iangoia bwa a nang kibara ana kainano Marakei aei, are ngaia e kabanea te mwaiti ni mwane ae raka iaon $500,000 mai moan karaoana ni karokoa te tai aei, ngaia are na bubuti tina anga baira n uboia naake I a tia ni mwaneweia ikai”, e taekinna te Minita Tekeeua Tarati inanon ana tai ni marooro.

 E karaoaki te bukamaru aio ni mwaaken Nei Tangangau buriiti ao ni kaainaki irouia Unimwane ma Unainen Marakei, te Meeia, Kauntira, tabeman kaain te aba ao ai ana tiim te MISE are e a kaainaki iroun te Minita Tekeeua Tarati, Tia Koroboki Dr Farran Redfern, Director General Jimmy Nuake, Principal Civil Engineering Panapa Pita, ao tabeman riki taan mwakuri.

E moanaki te butimwaai nakon ana tiim te MISE aio iroun te Unimwane ma te Unaie, te Meeia mai Marakei ma Kauntira n te marae ni wanikiba ao ni katokaaki aia bau n te Kanimabong 14 bongin Maati, ao ni manga kairaki kain te tiim nakon aia tabo n te O ni Katorika ibukin aia kateiwae.

Ni kanoan te burokuraem ao e moanaki te katabwanin n te Kaonobong imwiin rokoia kain te tiim ni moa man te aoa tebwina n te ingabong ike ea waaki naba te katabwanin  ni kaneweaba ao n karoko n taian buriiti aika Nei Reei buriiti ao Tangangau buriiti.

N rokon te Tiim n Tangangau buriiti ao e waaki te botaki ni butimwaai ao ni katabwena ike e anga iai ana marooro te Minita Tarati ni katerei iai kakawakin te mwakuri ao katamaroa iaon te buriiti ma te kawai aio, kaitauakiia Intinia man te MISE n ikotaki ma kaain Marake ake a tia n bane korakoraia ibukin iangoan ao katiaakin te buriiti.

Reei ao Tangangau buriiti n ikotaki ma kawain Marakei bon teuana mai ibuakon taben te MISE ake e a moanibwaiaki inanon te 100 ni bong, ao bon teuana naba ana tabeka Marakei ae aki toki n uouotia rake inanon te Auti n Tei man inanon te ririki 2018, ao ni kakoroaki nanona inanon te ririki aio are e a tia ni mwakuria te Tautaeka ni Kiribati rinanon ana aobiti ae te MISE ao n kabongana te Maintenance Fund ibukin mwakurian katamaroa aikai iaon Marakei.

Te karikirake ae Tangangau buriiti e moa waakinan karaoana inanon Okitobwa 2023 ao ni barongaaki iai ana tiim ni mwakuri te MISE n ikotaki ma taian mitiin ake ana kabonganai ao bwaai ni mwakuri riki tabeua n aron te site clearance ao te stockpiling. N raabanen naba te namwakaina ae Tuun 2024, ao a karokoaki bwaai ni mwakuri iaon Marakei ibukin onobwai nakon te buriiti ae Tangangau bridge ao n tabwanin karaoana inanon Beberuare 2025. Irarikin naba anne ao e reitinako te mwakuri ni katamaroa nakon Reei bridge ao karaoan te kawai are e nakon uoua te tai te mwakuri ni katamaroa nako iai imwain kitanan Marakei irouia taan mwakuri ni moan Maati 2025. Karikirake aika teniua aikai a bane n mwanenaki iaan te Maintenance Fund ibukin katoronibwaian te botannaomata iaon Marakei.

E kanakoa bwanaana ni kaaitau te Unimwane ao te Meeia mai Marakei inanon tain te katabwena ao n kaaitaua te Tautaeka ngkai e a tia ni mwakuria ao ni kakoroa nanon ana bubuti Marakei aio. E reitia riki n taekinna bwa n te tai aio ao e a nang kakatia Marakei bwa e a tabwanin kawaina ao e na nang bebete te mwamwananga irouia ataein te reirei, ena buoka tikotikonakin te kabanemwane iaon te bwaa, ao ni kaungai mwakuri ni kaneweaba ibukia iruwa ake a kakawara Marakei ao tabeua riki.

Imwiin taian marooro ao e a karaoaki te koro reeben iroun te Unaine ao buun te Meeia mai Marakei imatan Tangangau buriiti are e a mwaakena naba ukin ao touakin te buriiti irouia te botannaomata iaon Marakei.

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The Honourable Minister of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy, Tekeeua Tarati, has applauded the efforts of MISE Engineers, including former Minister Willie Tokataake, and Marakei people for their contributions to the successful completion of Nei Tangangau Bridge and maintenance work on Nei Reei Bridge and twice the road maintence work to Marakei Island.

The handing-over ceremony took place in Norauea village near Tangangau Bridge, attended by Minister Tarati, Secretary Dr. Farran Redfern, Director General Jimmy Nuake, Principal Civil Engineer Panapa Pita, and other officials. The event also included participation from the Mayor, Elders, Island Council members, and local community representatives.

Upon their arrival on Friday, March 14, at Marakei Airport, the Minister and his team were warmly welcomed with garlands by the Island Council members, including the Mayor, before proceeding to their accommodations at the Catholic hotel.

Tangangau Bridge has been a long-standing priority for the Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy (MISE), frequently raised in parliamentary sessions ever since the completion of Nei Reei bridge since in 2018. Recognizing the bridge’s importance to the people of Marakei, the MISE office allocated more than $500,000 from the maintenance fund 2023 to rehabilitate the existing bridge structure, that is fully funded by the government of Kiribati.

The construction on Tangangau bridge began in October 2023 by mobilizing MISE team with their heavy equipment and some materials, to begin with preparation work include site clearance and stockpiling. Late in June 2024, the materials had arrived in Marakei to continue with replacement of Tangangau bridge and completed mid February 2025. The team had continued their work and completed the repair work on Reei bridge and maintained the road twice before leaving the island early March 2025. Note the same funding initiative also covered repairs for the Reei Bridge and maintain the road twice on Marake for ensuring safer and more reliable access for the community.

Minister Tarati highlighted that the celebration was not only about the completion of these critical infrastructure projects but also about fulfilling MISE’s 100-day commitment which is now handed over to the Island Council to continue safeguarding and maintenance to the bridges and road. He emphasized that these achievements reflect the government’s dedication to sustainable infrastructure development and improving the well-being of communities and its people.

The Mayor of Marakei has responded in his speech acknowledging the completion of the project and the dedication of MISE staff and others which has accommodate the need of the island through the need of road maintenance and bridge rehabilitation and for visitors, students to drive around the island improving fuel cost saving and promote economic activities and so forth.

The speeches were then followed by the cutting of the bridge ribbon performed by the Unaine and Mayor wife, which marked the end of the celebration and opening of the bridge usage for all people on Marakei island.