Nearly 200,000 residents in the Suva-Nausori area will face water supply disruptions from midnight tonight through Sunday due to maintenance work by the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF).
In preparation, the ministries of health and education are formulating plans to ensure that essential services remain operational. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro stated that he would be meeting with WAF representatives today to discuss alternative water supply solutions for the affected schools. “Following the meeting, we will issue a statement and provide schools with guidelines to cope with the situation. Closing schools will be our last option,” he mentioned.
Health Minister Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu confirmed that measures have been established to prevent interruptions to healthcare services, reassured that plans with medical centers and the CWM Hospital are in place to maintain normal operations during the water disruptions.
WAF has recommended that residents store enough water for the next three days and indicated that water carting services will be available for urgent needs.
WAF’s Chief Operating Officer Seru Soderberg explained that the maintenance work is necessary to connect a new DN900mm gravity main from the Waitolu reservoir to an existing DN600mm Rising Main from the Waila water treatment plant, which feeds into the Wainibuku reservoir. He noted that this will result in one of the three pipelines to the Wainibuku reservoir being offline, reducing overall water flow to 60% of its normal capacity.
Soderberg highlighted the complexities involved in the work due to the challenging terrain and high water table. He stated that the 600mm pipeline will be shut down at midnight Thursday to allow for de-watering before work begins early Friday morning. He expressed understanding for the inconveniences caused but reiterated the importance of this maintenance to avoid future complications.
Residents are encouraged to make preparations and stay informed through WAF’s communication channels for any updates.