The Ministry of Public Works has announced plans to implement a substantial $40 million water infrastructure project in 2025, aiming to tackle the ongoing water supply challenges in certain regions of Suva. Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau highlighted that the Elevated Princess Road Water Project has already gone through the tender and evaluation stages, with a final decision anticipated from the board shortly.
This initiative is expected to be completed over a period of 18 months, significantly enhancing the water supply for elevated areas in the Suva region. The project specifically targets areas such as Colo-i-Suva, Khalsa, Tacirua, and Tamavua, which have faced difficulties with inconsistent water availability.
The infrastructure will include a new gravity pipeline measuring 1.43 kilometers, extending from Sawani Junction to a pump station at Buresasa, situated between Waimanu Junction and Colo-i-Suva. The establishment of the pump station at Buresasa is a critical component of this endeavor. Moreover, there will be a rising main pipeline extending approximately 5.27 kilometers from the pump station to the Colo-i-Suva Reservoir, where a new steel tank reservoir capable of holding 2×5 megalitres will be constructed.
Minister Ro Filipe explained that this project marks a significant shift in the water supply mechanism from a pumping system to a gravity-based approach, which is expected to provide greater resilience, especially since the Viria Water Treatment Plant can better manage high turbidity events compared to the Tamavua Water Treatment Plant.
This investment in water infrastructure is a positive development for the Suva community, promising to improve water accessibility and reliability, thereby enhancing the quality of life for residents in these elevated regions.
Overall, the commitment to such a significant water infrastructure program reflects a proactive approach to solving pressing community issues. It demonstrates the government’s dedication to improving essential services, which can positively impact public health and overall well-being.
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