The escalating water crisis in the Suva-Nausori corridor, which includes Lami, Tamavua, Khalsa, and Sakoca, is prompting immediate action from the Fijian government. Residents and businesses in these areas are facing prolonged water disruptions due to the vulnerabilities in the nation’s water infrastructure.
Public Works Minister Filipe Tuisawau has recognized the seriousness of the situation and has articulated the government’s commitment to enhancing both immediate responses and long-term reforms to ensure a stable water supply and avert future issues. He noted that while some temporary measures, such as reducing recovery times from a week to just two or three days, are being implemented, a more robust solution is necessary.
Key short-term interventions include the installation of a trash boom at the Savura Cascade to prevent debris from clogging the intake system during heavy rainfall, as well as two bypass pumping systems designed to manage high turbidity levels that complicate water supply restoration after interruptions. Furthermore, optimized chemical treatment processes are being adopted to maintain water quality, demonstrating the government’s proactive approach to addressing the current crisis.
In addition to these immediate measures, the government is preparing to roll out long-term strategies, such as the Performance-Based Non-Revenue Water Reduction Contract, which leaves room for significant improvements in service reliability. Currently, the Suva-Nausori corridor is losing nearly 47 percent of treated water due to issues like leaks. The government’s goal is to reduce this figure to the mid-20 percent range, enhancing the overall efficiency of the water supply system.
Speaking on these developments, Acting Chief Executive of the Water Authority of Fiji, Seru Soderberg, emphasized that the planned infrastructure upgrades will not only address existing demand but also create additional storage and distribution capacity for the communities affected. The government is leveraging capital expenditure funding, concessional loans, and climate change financing to accelerate these essential projects.
As municipal officials navigate the complexities of this water crisis, the shared investments signal a commitment to ensure a sustainable water supply for urban residents. The upgrades to the existing infrastructure and new projects, including the anticipated construction of the Viria Water Treatment Plant designed to meet increasing demand, reflect optimism for a future where reliable access to water becomes the norm rather than the exception.
The progress being made in addressing the water shortages presents a meaningful opportunity for the residents of Tamavua and the entire Suva-Nausori corridor to look forward to a more stable and dependable water supply, reinforcing community resilience in the face of these challenges.
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