Ten families residing in the Waiqaliqali Maro settlement in Sigatoka are now benefitting from a newly commissioned borehole, which has significantly improved their access to clean and reliable water. This project was inaugurated by Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Charan Jeath Singh, after inspections revealed key issues with the area’s existing water sources.
Prior assessments indicated that household wells were shallow and susceptible to contamination due to factors such as surface runoff, agricultural activities, and potential saltwater intrusion. For years, residents relied on untreated well water and frequently faced water shortages.
Tara Singh, a resident of Waiqaliqali, expressed the struggles the community faced: “We have been running around for ten years to get access to clean water. In the past, families used to transport water from wells using bullock carts, drums, and wheelbarrows. With the completion of this project, approximately ten households in the settlement will now have access to clean and safe drinking water.”
Minister Singh highlighted the project’s significance, stating that it would markedly enhance health, safety, and living conditions for families in the area. The borehole and associated piping were funded by a Ministry allocation of $16,788 under the newly initiated Community Engagement Programme for the current financial year.
The Minister emphasized the importance of community involvement in creating effective and timely solutions to longstanding issues, noting that “Access to clean and reliable water is a fundamental necessity, and this project will finally provide your community with proper facilities to meet that basic need.”
This initiative underscores the Ministry’s dedication to ensuring equitable access to government services and delivering responsive services at the grassroots level, showcasing a hopeful step towards improving the quality of life for the residents of Waiqaliqali.
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