Approximately $218 million will be invested over the next thirty years to upgrade and implement new projects aimed at improving water supply infrastructure in the Northern Division.
Minister for Public Works, Transport, and Meteorological Services, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, announced that this initiative is part of the government’s commitment to the Water Sector Strategy 2050 Plan, which aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6) focusing on water and sanitation.
Ro Filipe highlighted that more than 600 households in Vanua Levu would benefit from these enhancements. He detailed several major extension projects, including the Dagau Main Extension Project in Seaqaqa, which has a budget of $0.56 million and involves a 3.4-kilometer pipeline benefiting around 50 households.
Another project, the Nabekavu to Dogoru Mains Extension Project in Labasa, is set to cost $0.8 million for a 2.6-kilometer pipeline that will serve about 30 households. The Rural Water Supply Projects also include the Kubulau Combined Scheme Project, costing $2.4 million, which covers a 26-kilometer pipeline and is nearly completed, expected to benefit close to 220 households.
Furthermore, the Delaivuna Combined Scheme in Taveuni, costing $0.9 million, is in its initial phase and will feature a 7-kilometer pipeline to assist nearly 480 households.
A significant investment of $16 million is planned for a major upgrade that encompasses a 30-megalitres-per-day water treatment plant and a new intake at the Matagi water source, along with improved storage at the Volanao Reservoir. This project aims to lay the groundwork for future network expansions into areas like Boubale and Malau.
Ro Filipe reiterated the government’s dedication to meeting the water supply demands of both urban and rural communities in the Northern Division, ensuring that residents and visitors have reliable access to water resources as the region continues to grow.