The Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services, and Transport, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, has raised concerns in Parliament regarding the rising costs associated with water carting services in Fiji. This increase has been notable over the last three financial years, primarily driven by heightened climate-related challenges such as severe droughts and increased turbidity impacting water treatment processes.
In his response to Opposition MP Jone Usamate, Tuisawau presented financial data illustrating the escalating expenditures on water carting: $4.90 million in the 2021/2022 fiscal year rose sharply to $8.33 million in 2022/2023, and subsequently to $7.46 million in 2023/2024. He explained that the demand for these services has significantly impacted the government’s budget, reflecting the seriousness of water supply disruptions faced by many communities.
To mitigate these challenges, the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) has been engaging between 40 to 50 contracted water trucks during periods of disruption, in addition to deploying approximately 29 vehicles weekly to serve non-metered and rural communities. Tuisawau emphasized the importance of these efforts, particularly for vulnerable populations reliant on consistent access to clean water.
In alignment with modernizing public financial management, all contractor payments for water carting services have transitioned to electronic processing via bank-to-bank transfers. This digital shift aims to enhance efficiency by reducing delays associated with traditional cheque systems.
Minister Tuisawau reiterated that while water carting is a crucial emergency measure, long-term solutions are in progress. Investments continue to be made in infrastructure resilience and upgrades to treatment plants, ensuring Fiji’s water systems become more robust against future challenges.
The government’s dedication to improving water access reflects a broader commitment to enhancing quality of life for all Fijians. With ongoing infrastructure projects and strategic planning, there is hope for a more reliable water supply system capable of withstanding the stresses of climate change.
In a related effort, the Government is also considering a review of water tariffs to ensure sustainability and fairness, stemming from concerns over operating costs and the necessary upgrades in water services. As Fiji charts a path forward, the interconnectedness of water management, community resilience, and climate adaptability remains critical to the well-being of its residents.
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