Nauru Sustainable and Resilient Urban Development Project

Bringing safe piped drinking water to households is just one of many life-changing outcomes of the Nauru Sustainable and Resilient Urban Development Project - an ADB funded initiative to boost the resilience of this remote island nation.

Nestled under the equator, Nauru is a remote tropical island nation home to 12,000 people. Like many of its regional neighbours, Nauru is on the frontline of climate change and faces numerous challenges shaped by its geography – most notably water insecurity given there are no surface freshwater bodies in the country. The reliance on groundwater for freshwater supplies places the country at increasing risk, with saline intrusion from rising sea levels and contamination from the limited sanitation services on the island.

With these big urban challenges front of mind, in 2021 the Government of Nauru (GON), with funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), commissioned Beca to deliver the water, sanitation and solid waste components of their National Sustainable Development Strategy 2019-2030 and Nauru Integrated Infrastructure Strategic Plan.

Working closely with the government and ADB, Beca is helping deliver these nation-shaping initiatives that will connect fresh, clean tap water to 55% of households and make everyday more resilient for Nauruans for decades to come. The project will also contribute to enhanced public and environmental health, by providing improved sanitation services and promoting a circular economy via composting and recycling solid waste.

Turning theory into reality: climate adaptation in Nauru

While a lot of climate adaptation work sits in the realm of academia, the Nauru Sustainable and Resilient Urban Development Project (NSRUDP) is a great example of real-world problem solving that is tailored to the specific context of the local community’s needs. By working alongside our local partners and asking the right questions, we’ve developed sound engineering solutions with human-centred design front of mind.

Improved service options were developed and evaluated in detailed workshops with a Community Consultation Committee. For two years, we worked alongside this Committee made up of Nauruan community leaders and representatives from women’s, church, disability and youth groups to understand what matters most to them in terms of improved services.

At key points in the development and selection process, we tested the Committee’s thinking by holding community meetings across the island. This also included detailed household, social, economic, water and sanitation surveys of Nauruan households.
Focused on practical outcomes, NSRUDP will provide essential urban services for the Nauruan people whilst strengthening the island’s resilience to the impacts of climate change. Working closely together, Beca, ADB and GON are helping translate complex sustainability goals into tangible infrastructure, most notably:

• Reticulated water supply: A first for Nauru - giving 1,200 households, (55% of the population) access to clean, running tap water.
• Upgraded sanitation systems: This includes desludging trucks and a new wastewater treatment plant. 
• Solid waste composting and recycling facilities: Designed to promote a circular economy. This work was led by our subconsultant Tonkin + Taylor.

End-to-end problem solving with heart and mind

Harnessing our experience across the region and strong local connections, Beca has supported project readiness by delivering:

• Masterplans: Developing the master plans, investment strategies and procurement frameworks to support long-term infrastructure planning.
• Feasibility Studies: Leading early feasibility studies and funding proposals for this project.
• Due Diligence: Leading financial, economic, environmental, social and gender safeguards, and land due diligence studies.
• Detailed Engineering Design: Developing detailed engineering designs for water, sanitation and solid waste systems across Nauru.
• Enabling Environment: Developing policies, regulations, customer charters, connection codes and supporting the government to be prepared to manage and maintain the new water, sanitation and solid waste service being created through the project.

Engineering resilience for generational impact

Designed for generational impact, the NSRUDP is underpinned by the following infrastructure which Beca proudly designed alongside other parties, based on extensive stakeholder and community engagement:

• Reticulated water supply system: Design for Nauru’s first ever piped water system is now complete and is expected to serve 1,200 households (55% of the nation’s population) once construction concludes in 2029. With the island lacking freshwater bodies and traditionally relying on desalinated water, rainwater and groundwater as primary sources – this reticulated water supply will meet residents' drinking water needs, whilst allowing the continued use of groundwater and rainwater for non-drinking purposes. 
• Upgraded sanitation system: Upgrading the nation’s existing sanitation system was another key element. This included procuring a new desludging truck and designing a new wastewater treatment plant (new organic waste lagoons, sludge drying beds and septage reception facilities). Together, these upgrades will facilitate safer and more efficient waste treatment, reducing environmental contamination and the risk of waterborne diseases.
• Circular waste management: This included developing new Resource Recovery and Composting Facilities (designed by Tonkin + Taylor) to process solid waste that would otherwise be destined for landfill. By promoting a circular economy, these facilities will help reduce landfill use and pollution, whilst creating local employment and training opportunities.

A blueprint for the Pacific

With the project well underway ahead of expected completion in 2029, the project demonstrates a holistic approach to long term planning, addressing urban infrastructure issues common to many Pacific Island nations. The outcomes will improve the health of the Nauruan people, the amenity of their communities and their resilience against the impacts of climate change.

The future effects of climate change may be uncertain, but the path forward for a remote island nation like Nauru doesn’t have to be. All parties involved in the Nauru Sustainable and Resilient Urban Development Project can be proud of the role they’ve played.

Learn more about Beca’s Pacific Development capabilities and how we’re making everyday better across the region here.