The Coalition Government is set to enhance international initiatives aimed at improving water services in Fiji, recognizing the constraints of the country’s financial resources.
Minister for Public Works Ro Filipe Tuisawau underscored the interdependence between water supply and energy, emphasizing the importance of this connection in discussions around climate financing.
He highlighted the necessity of making efficient use of available opportunities, stating, “For Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Fiji, the availability and accessibility of essential utilities such as energy and water are critical to daily survival, especially for our grassroots communities. This extends to roads as well.”
Tuisawau stressed the importance of promoting the water-energy nexus at the grassroots level as a strategy to combat poverty and drive significant changes in everyday life.
He pointed out, “When evaluating climate financing, we must focus on this nexus, particularly regarding the assessment of natural spring or groundwater resources through advanced solar technology, which includes solar-powered borehole pumps and solar-powered desalination plants.”
He noted that innovative programs utilizing intelligent national frameworks could serve as a transformative catalyst, particularly benefiting coastal communities.
Additionally, Tuisawau mentioned that the Coalition Government has made progress in collaborating with catchment landowners, recently securing Cabinet approval for a framework and policy aimed at compensating landowners for standing trees in catchment areas.
“We will continue to engage with all stakeholders, particularly landowners, to address their concerns within the existing legal frameworks,” he added.