The governments of Australia and New Zealand responded to the 2011 fresh-water crisis by supplying temporary desalination plants,[REF][REF][REF] and assisted in the repair of the existing desalination unit that was donated by Japan in 2006 [REF].
During World War II several piers were also constructed on Fongafale in the Funafuti Lagoon; beach areas were filled and deep water access channels were excavated.