New potential groundwater sources may soon be uncovered in Vanua Levu, with the results of an Airborne Geophysical Survey set to be released in March. Filimoni Vosarogo, the Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, made this announcement during the commissioning of a borehole project in Naua, Macuata.
Many rural communities in the northern regions of Vanua Levu face challenges in accessing clean drinking water, primarily due to their remote locations and difficulties in locating underground water sources. Currently, the process for the Mineral Resources Department to verify groundwater availability can take several weeks before any drilling can commence.
Vosarogo expressed optimism that the upcoming survey results will streamline this process, making it quicker and more efficient. He stated, “So what that report will give us is, say for example, Valelawa asks for water, we can look at that report, and the report will tell us whether there is a groundwater source there or elsewhere that we can source it from. So it makes work a lot easier for the Ministry.”
The survey was conducted in November of last year as part of the Vuvale Partnership with Geoscience Australia. This initiative involved the deployment of advanced airborne technologies to map groundwater and mineral resources across various regions of Fiji.
The anticipated report is expected to provide significant assistance to rural communities lacking a reliable water supply, enabling authorities to quickly locate viable groundwater sources and accelerate borehole projects, ultimately improving access to clean water for those in need. This aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life for residents in remote areas, fostering hope for both current and future generations.
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