World Toilet Day is celebrated each year on November 19 to highlight the global sanitation crisis and promote access to clean and safe toilets for everyone. This year’s theme, “Toilets are a Place for Peace,” was marked in the Vunibua Settlement, where 17 out of the 47 families residing there have recently been granted their own sewage systems.
The Water Authority of Fiji reports that its 11 wastewater treatment plants lack the capacity to adequately process all incoming wastewater. In response, the New Zealand government, in partnership with Fiji’s government, has facilitated the installation of sewage pumps for the fortunate families in the Vunibua Settlement.
The focus on these 17 families was intentional due to their significant contribution to the community’s waste generation. These sewage systems include features designed to conserve water, such as different flush pedals—one for liquid waste, which uses less water, and a larger one for solid waste, which requires more.
Additionally, RISE Fiji has future plans to connect the other families in the Vunibua Settlement to the new sewage infrastructure, with hopes of completing these connections by 2025. The Water Authority is also warning the public about what items should not be disposed of in toilets, emphasizing that only toilet paper is suitable for flushing, while items like rags, medication, or cigarette butts can lead to serious clogs and sewer issues.
RISE Fiji, alongside the Ministry of Health and the Water Authority, is committed to improving access to proper wastewater systems in Fiji with a target date of 2030.
This initiative not only addresses urgent sanitation needs but also symbolizes a positive step towards improving public health and environmental conditions in the region. By investing in infrastructure and raising awareness about waste disposal, communities can work together to achieve a more sustainable future.
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