The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) is striving to address its water distribution challenges as the population increases, putting increasing pressure on an aging infrastructure. Many residents, particularly in the elevated regions of the Central Division, have voiced concerns over frequent water supply disruptions, which they attribute to both the inadequacies of the government and mismanagement within WAF.
The complaints underscore the inadequacies of the authority’s emergency water delivery system, which has failed to meet the community’s needs reliably. Although Fiji boasts one of the lowest water rates in the Pacific at 15 cents per 1,000 liters, residents question whether such affordability should come at the cost of a dependable water supply. Recent statements from Minister for Finance Biman Prasad indicate that increasing water rates might be necessary to finance the needed upgrades to the antiquated systems.
Notably, a visit to both the Savura and Waimanu pumping stations unveiled their dire state, with raw water leaking from pipes, rusted infrastructure, and malfunctioning pumps—evidence that substantial investments are required for upgrades. Critically, the Suva water supply system has not expanded since its establishment over a century ago, despite the population growth that has ballooned the demand beyond the system’s capacity.
Statistics from the 2017 census highlight that in areas like Suva and Lami, 399 residents frequently face water cuts, with many others experiencing some level of supply disruption. The Tamavua Water Treatment Plant, designed for 60 million liters, is currently processing approximately 75 million liters, illustrating the overextension of the current facilities.
Efforts to address these issues are underway, with WAF’s acting CEO Seru Soderberg acknowledging the ongoing disruptions and committing to improvements. Infrastructure projects, including the construction of the $40 million Viria Water Treatment Plant and the Princes Road Infrastructure Project aimed to bolster water supply reliability, are in progress. These projects, which will introduce a gravity-fed water system and additional sources, aim to relieve pressure on existing systems and enhance resilience during adverse weather.
As the community reflects on years of water insecurity, there is a renewed sense of hope stemming from government initiatives aimed at resolving these persistent issues. The proactive approach taken by WAF and local authorities suggests a commitment to fostering a more reliable water supply for all affected residents, paving the way for a brighter future where access to clean water is consistent and dependable. The continued investment in infrastructure is essential, as it not only addresses current needs but also prepares for future population growth, ultimately improving quality of life in Fiji.
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