A $34,000 water supply project has successfully brought reliable access to clean drinking water for twenty families in Narau Settlement, Rakiraki. Historically, these families relied on a nearby creek for their daily water needs, which posed significant health and safety risks.
The newly implemented water system ensures households now have safe and continuous access to drinking water, substantially enhancing their health, hygiene, and overall living conditions. During a commissioning ceremony held last Friday, the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development, Mosese Bulitavu, emphasized the crucial role clean water plays in enhancing the quality of life in rural areas.
“Access to safe and reliable drinking water improves health outcomes, strengthens food security and saves valuable time for families, particularly women and children who often bear the burden of water collection,” he stated. Bulitavu also highlighted that this project is a testament to the Fijian Government’s commitment to inclusive development, ensuring that rural and remote communities are not overlooked.
Resident Linieta Dreka expressed her emotional gratitude, marking this milestone as a new chapter for the community. “For many years, life was very hard. As mothers, we had to carry buckets of clothes down to the creek to wash, bathe, and fetch water for cooking and drinking,” she shared. The situation worsened with increasing livestock farming upstream, which rendered the creek unsafe for consumption.
Dreka reflected on their struggles, stating that the community originally relied on a small, inconsistent water source. Now, with the government’s assistance, she believes this new water supply will significantly enhance the quality of life, especially for the children in the settlement.
This project stands as a beacon of hope, illustrating the positive impact of community-focused initiatives on improving living standards in rural Fiji.
Leave a comment