Water supply concerns in Lomawai, Nadroga, have been a persistent issue, but a recent agreement offers hope for change as landowners are taking action to improve the situation. Yesterday, a significant milestone was achieved when landowners signed a deal with the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF), leading to the release of over $1 million for various projects aimed at addressing the chronic water shortages in the area.
Sitiveni Nawaqa, president of the Viti Indigenous Tourism Alliance, announced that an initial fund of $50,000 has been allocated to complete the Werelevu project and refurbish the Tui Nalolo’s residence. The remaining funds are expected to finance extensive water restoration projects across the six villages in the district.
Nawaqa expressed his satisfaction with the financial support, stating, “We are very pleased that we now have the money to move forward with projects that will address issues within our community.” This initiative is vital, as many residents currently rely on nearby rivers for water or depend on purchasing water tanks and utilizing boreholes due to the ongoing water scarcity.
This agreement also lays the groundwork for infrastructure improvements, including the request for tarsealed roads and the installation of water and sewage systems. Nawaqa emphasized the importance of such developments, noting that they will benefit the vanua o Nalolo in the wake of the developments surrounding Momi Bay Resort.
The six villages encompassed within the Lomawai district—Lomawai, Tau, Kubuna, Nakorokula, Bavu, and Navutu—stand to gain significantly from these initiatives. The cooperation between the landowners and FNPF not only highlights a commitment to community development but also fosters hope for a sustainable solution to water supply challenges in the region.
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