Only 28 percent of the population in Fiji currently has access to sanitation services, according to Minister for Public Works Ro Filipe Tuisawau. In response to this issue, the government is implementing a comprehensive program to extend sanitation services to the remaining 72 percent of the population.
During a recent parliamentary session, Ro Filipe announced that tenders for masterplans related to the expansion will be advertised in the coming weeks. He emphasized the urgency of the wastewater program, stating that it is a pressing issue that requires attention. The initiatives under this program include the rehabilitation of the Pacific Harbour Wastewater Treatment Plant, the cleaning and upgrading of the Kinoya Wastewater Treatment Plant, and the installation of new diffusers at the Wailada Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Additionally, the minister addressed the status of water catchments in certain regions. While 14 out of 17 water catchments in the Central Division have improved due to heavy rainfall last month, areas in the Lomaiviti Group remain critical. In the Western Division, three water sources are still at critical levels, although eight have returned to normal.
Ro Filipe urged all Fijians to conserve water and adopt responsible water usage practices. He noted that the Northern Division has also faced low pressure, but rainfall there has not been as severe, and some regions continue to require assistance.