Landowners who have permitted the construction of dams on their properties should not be subject to water bills, according to Ro Filipe Tuisawau, Minister for Public Works and Infrastructure. His remarks come in response to the dissatisfaction expressed by landowners in Viria, where the newly operational Viria Dam is situated.
Tuisawau noted that while a formal agreement has not yet been established, the Government is actively considering exemptions for catchment landowners from water service charges. “We actually have not signed an agreement yet,” he stated, reaffirming the Government’s intent to support these landowners. The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) is currently compiling essential details concerning water connections for Viria as part of this effort.
He emphasized that he is advocating for catchment landowners to be exempt from paying water bills. “I’ve instructed the WAF board to relook at the whole setup for the catchment owners,” he explained, sharing that the relationship among catchment owners, the water authority, and the Government is being evaluated to enhance understanding and future agreements.
Despite the Viria Water Project costing $270 million and now operational, residents in the Suva-Nausori corridor continue to face water supply interruptions. Tuisawau clarified that the water cuts are not a direct result of the dam but are due to aging infrastructure and outdated pipes, which the Government is committed to upgrading.
In summary, the Government is prioritizing both the review of water bill exemptions for landowners and the improvement of water infrastructure to better serve the community. This reassessment could pave the way for a more equitable approach for landowners and improve water accessibility for residents in affected regions.
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