Around $218 million will be invested in the Northern Division over the next 30 years to enhance water supply infrastructure through upgrades and new projects. Minister for Public Works, Transport, and Meteorological Services, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, highlighted that this initiative aligns with the government’s Water Sector Strategy 2050 Plan and the Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on water and sanitation.
Ro Filipe noted that over 600 households in Vanua Levu would benefit from these projects. He detailed significant extension projects, including the Dagau Main Extension Project in Seaqaqa, which has a budget of $0.56 million and will cover a 3.4-kilometer pipeline, aiding nearly 50 households.
The Nabekavu to Dogoru Mains Extension Project in Labasa, costing $0.8 million, will establish a 2.6-kilometer pipeline to benefit approximately 30 households. Additionally, the Rural Water Supply Projects include the Kubulau Combined Scheme Project at $2.4 million, which features a 26-kilometer pipeline close to completion, set to support about 220 households.
The Delaivuna Combined Scheme in Taveuni has an initial budget of $0.9 million and will involve a 7-kilometer pipeline, aiming to serve nearly 480 households. A significant $16 million investment will upgrade the water treatment infrastructure, including a new treatment plant with a capacity of 30 mega liters per day and enhancements at the Volanao Reservoir. This project is also expected to enable future network extensions into areas such as Boubale and Malau.
Ro Filipe reiterated the government’s dedication to fulfilling the water supply requirements of urban and rural communities in the Northern Division, ensuring residents and visitors have reliable access to water as the region develops.