Alongside improving the Rarotonga road network, robust drainage systems are imperative to protecting public infrastructure and promoting resilient communities. Stormwater is a major cause of road deterioration and flooding in low lying areas, affecting homes, has increased as a result of increased intensity of rainfall. 

ICI aims to continuously improve and upgrade the drainage system around the island of Rarotonga. This is essential as the risk of climate change continues to affect infrastructure resiliency, especially for small island nations like the Cook Islands. The focus of ICI for the next coming years will be on roadside drainage improvements and stream rehabilitation works. The list below are the projects that we have earmarked within the next 2 years.

It is important to realise that flooding is a natural occurrence and actually disappears quickly on Rarotonga. It has become a problem because we have built in areas that are low lying and lower than sea level. When building, it is in your best interests to apply for a building permit. The 2019 Cook Islands Building Code has a minimum permitted floor level which is based on flood levels. Your design will need to comply with the Building Code to ensure your home’s floor level is above flood levels. 

The focus for drainage also needs to be holding back stormwater to let sediments fall out of the water so dirty water does not flow into our precious lagoons. You can help this by planting lots of trees and shrubs and capture the rainwater off your roof.