The Coalition Government is set to enhance international initiatives aimed at improving water services in Fiji, in light of the country’s financial constraints. Public Works Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau highlighted the essential connection between water delivery and energy, stressing that the water-energy nexus is crucial in discussions surrounding climate financing.
Ro Filipe emphasized the importance of effectively utilizing available opportunities. He pointed out that for Small Island Developing States like Fiji, access to basic utilities such as energy and water is vital for everyday survival, especially for local communities, which also includes infrastructure like roads.
Tuisawau underlined the necessity of promoting water-energy connections at the grassroots level to help combat poverty and create significant improvements in daily living conditions. He stated that targeting this nexus is essential when considering climate financing, particularly in evaluating natural water resources with the aid of advanced solar technology, including solar-powered borehole pumps and desalination plants.
He proposed that innovative programs built on smart national frameworks could act as a transformative catalyst, particularly for communities living in maritime areas. The Coalition Government has also made notable progress in its relationship with landowners in catchment areas, with Cabinet approving the development of a framework and policy to compensate landowners for standing trees in these regions.
The Government is committed to engaging with all stakeholders, particularly landowners, to address their concerns within the existing legal frameworks.