The Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, has reported a significant rise in costs related to water carting services in Fiji over the past three financial years. Responding to concerns raised by Opposition MP Jone Usamate, Tuisawau detailed in Parliament how the financial commitments for these services have escalated, mirroring the increasing severity and frequency of water supply disruptions due to climate-related issues.
In the financial year 2021/2022, the expenditure on water carting was $4.90 million. This increased to $8.33 million in 2022/2023 and was recorded at $7.46 million for 2023/2024. The Minister attributed the rising costs to the heightened impacts from prolonged droughts and adverse weather, such as high turbidity levels affecting water treatment processes.
Tuisawau explained that the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) has engaged between 40 to 50 contracted water trucks during periods of supply disruption, with 29 vehicles deployed weekly to ensure water access for non-metered and rural communities. “This scale of deployment ensures critical water access continuity for our most vulnerable populations,” he remarked.
In an effort to modernize public financial management, the Minister confirmed that all contractor payments related to water carting services are now processed electronically, eliminating cheques and significantly reducing payment delays. However, he emphasized that water carting remains an emergency measure, signifying the need for ongoing investment in long-term infrastructure resilience and upgrades to treatment plants to mitigate reliance on these costly interventions.
Tuisawau’s statements are supported by earlier discussions on the pressing need for infrastructural upgrades within the Water Authority of Fiji amidst increasing demand. With Fiji’s population growth and environmental challenges, comprehensive investments in water infrastructure are critical to ensure a sustainable and reliable water supply system for all citizens.
As the government works towards these improvements, there is a hopeful outlook that addressing these long-standing issues will ultimately lead to a more efficient and dependable water supply in Fiji. The commitment to enhancing infrastructure is essential not just for current needs, but also for preparing to accommodate future demands and ensuring improved quality of life for residents.
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