Rural communities in Fiji are facing significant water wastage due to inadequate management of local water systems, a situation highlighted by Kencho Namgyal, Chief of WASH at UNICEF Pacific, during a recent panel discussion on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). The training initiatives conducted last year covered over 300 villages, revealing alarming inefficiencies in water usage and maintenance practices.
Namgyal noted that many water systems were constructed without proper calculations regarding water wastage or the actual volume required by the communities. This lack of foresight has led to substantial water loss, a situation that training programs have started to address by empowering communities to better assess their water needs.
“By reducing waste, we are not just conserving water; we are enhancing resilience,” Namgyal stated, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in improving water management. UNICEF continues its collaboration with the Department of Water and Sewerage and the Water Authority of Fiji to implement community-driven improvements, reflecting a concerted effort to build sustainable water systems.
This discussion also tied into broader themes of economic resilience and sustainable resource management. Hassan El Maaroufi, Humanitarian Programme Manager for the International Organization for Migration (IOM), echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the growing vulnerability of rural communities to economic changes, climate impacts, and insufficient infrastructure investments. El Maaroufi believes investing in economic livelihoods is crucial for building resilience and improving community wellbeing.
The ongoing challenges of water accessibility in Fiji are not isolated to rural areas alone. The government has launched various initiatives aimed at improving water security, including the establishment of boreholes and groundwater systems. Previous announcements noted the planned construction of 1,700 boreholes nationwide, reflecting Fiji’s commitment to address water scarcity in both urban and rural settings.
Moreover, recent programs like the MF602 Rural WASH Programme, which allocates $2.1 million, are set to enhance clean water and sanitation access across underprivileged communities, underscoring the continuing efforts to bolster public health and infrastructure.
These initiatives signify a hopeful movement towards resolving critical water issues faced by communities in Fiji. By focusing on community involvement and fostering local capacity, there is potential for lasting improvements in water management, ultimately leading to healthier and more resilient communities across the nation.
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