Newtok, Alaska, Was Supposed to Be a Model for Climate Relocation. Here’s How It Went Wrong.

Nearly 300 people from Newtok have moved 9 miles across the Ninglick River to a new village known as Mertarvik .

Residents lack running water, use 5-gallon buckets as toilets and must contend with intermittent electricity and deteriorating homes.

Newtok's relocation was supposed to provide a model for dozens of Alaskan communities that will need to move in the coming decades .

Newtok Village Council voted last year to finish the evacuation of Mertarvik , Alaska .

Congress approved the relocation in 2003 for the first time in 20 years .

The BIA committed more than $6 million for roads but failed to coordinate with other agencies to install water pipes underneath.

A wastewater system that handles sewage from the school, health clinic and dormitory for construction workers has been overwhelmed.

Newtok residents say they’re facing similar issues with some temporary homes that were shipped in by barge in the fall because of the need to move.

The housing projects in Mertarvik received high ratings from Leffel , the inspector hired by KYUK .

LeMay was also employed by the tribe in other roles, including tribal administrator and relocation coordinator.