The Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources in Fiji is conducting an airborne geophysical survey aimed at identifying groundwater sources to support communities lacking access to clean drinking water. Minister Filimoni Vosarogo addressed Parliament outlining the project, which benefits from collaboration with the Australian Government and Geoscience Australia, and utilizes aircraft to facilitate rapid and efficient surveys, a significant advancement over traditional ground-based methods.
Launched last month, the survey targets critical areas on Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, particularly regions where the Fiji Water Authority does not currently provide services, highlighting concerns over water scarcity. Key locations for the survey include the Sigatoka Valley, Cuvu, and various parts of Vanua Levu such as Dreketi and Labasa. The survey is expected to run until November and could generate hundreds to thousands of potential drilling targets by December 2025.
Mr. Vosarogo projected that the new approach could improve the ministry’s groundwater drilling success rate from 80% to 90%. He acknowledged the inherent uncertainties related to groundwater access, noting that not all boreholes yield adequate water supplies. As the ministry incorporates cutting-edge technology, it signals a focus on enhancing access to clean water, addressing water scarcity, and potentially uplifting public health standards and quality of life for Fijians.
This initiative aligns with previous efforts to improve the nation’s water resources, reflecting a proactive strategy that highlights the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to clean water across Fiji. As water security continues to be a pressing issue, this survey serves as a hopeful step towards a future where clean water is accessible to every citizen, contributing to both health improvements and economic growth in vulnerable communities.
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