In the rural sector, there are some 21 atolls and 1 raised island that are currently occupied with 165 villages in many islets. Not all have equal water needs. The first task will be to establish a priority list in four rankings of villages needing improved water supplies. Then in a four phase, each of five years program rapid assessment of current groundwater resources will be undertaken for each priority ranking together with the formation of village or island level water committee. These committees will be used to develop strategies for local ownership, protection and control of water supply systems including identifying rules for water use and for local cost-recovery for maintenance and operation. Under the oversight of the local committees, solar powered pumping and water storages will be developed and sourced from groundwater at some distance from dwellings and livestock. As well investigations will be conducted of the impact of sanitation systems on rural water supplies. A review will be conducted at the end of each phase to identify strengths and weaknesses. It is planned this will be a 20 year program. The revolving loans fund to assist householders in South Tarawa to install rainwater collection and storage tanks has proved a considerable success. This strategy will seek to extend that scheme to more areas in South Tarawa and to rural areas and to provide larger community storages to drier locations. A community awareness program will be conducted to increase understanding of the care, protection and maintenance of rainwater systems. This is considered to be a 5 year program. The government's policy on decentralisation from South Tarawa to designated growth centres will be promoted to decrease inward migration. The Outer Island Water Supply project is designed to increase the attractiveness and amenity of Outer Islands also as an aid too decreasing inward migration. Refurbishment of the supply main has already been carried out in South Tarawa. The distribution system to households will be improved to lower leakage rates and new connections feed tanks with water meters will be installed in 80% of households and a water tariff system will be introduced. Urban Councils will form Water Management Committees to steer this process and a consumer education program will be undertaken on the use, protection and care of the system and on water tariffs. This is a planned 5 year program. Strategy 2: Achieve financially, technically and environmentally sustainable water resource management