Habitat for Humanity Fiji has successfully completed significant upgrades to water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities at Adi Maopa Secondary School and Lomaloma Hospital in Vanuabalavu, Lau. These enhancements are critical in improving access to clean drinking water for students, hospital personnel, patients, and the broader community.
Sangita Kumar, the Interim National Director of Habitat for Humanity Fiji, emphasized the importance of safe drinking water for the health, learning, and resilience of local communities. She noted that these improvements are vital for safeguarding student wellbeing and enabling the hospital to deliver consistent care. Adi Maopa Secondary School, the sole secondary institution in Vanuabalavu and the Northern Lau Group, has been grappling with recurring waterborne diseases, including diarrhea, impacting over 20 students each month.
To combat these issues, Habitat Fiji installed ten new water tanks, each with a capacity of 10,200 liters, equipped with first flush devices and Sawyer filters. Additionally, they upgraded ten existing tanks with new gutters and first flush systems. At Lomaloma Hospital, which caters to more than 4,000 individuals, ten tanks received upgrades with enhanced rainwater harvesting and filtration systems. Furthermore, eight tanks were secured with tie-downs to ensure stability during cyclones. A training program was conducted for nine community members and school staff to ensure proper maintenance of the systems and effective use of the filters.
Kumar highlighted that this vital project was made possible thanks to the generous contributions of a private donor. Habitat for Humanity Fiji remains dedicated to providing safe housing and essential services, including clean water and sanitation, to bolster resilience in remote island communities. Through such initiatives, the organization continues to make a positive impact on health and wellbeing, fostering a brighter future for the inhabitants of Vanuabalavu.
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