Only 17% of urban residential customers connected to the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) have access to proper sewered sanitation facilities. This concerning statistic was brought to light by Isoa Vakarewa, country manager of Revitalising Informal Settlements and their Environments (RISE), during the commissioning of a sanitation facility at Lovoni Settlement in Namadi, Suva, last week.
In response to this pressing issue, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services is working closely with WAF and RISE to enhance water and sanitation facilities in informal settlements across the Central Division. Toga Vosataki, the WASH coordinator at the Ministry of Health, emphasized the detrimental effects of inadequate sanitation, which can lead to several neglected tropical diseases and contribute to broader issues like undernutrition.
The difficulties faced by women, girls, and individuals with disabilities due to a lack of suitable sanitation facilities were also highlighted, along with the prevalence of diarrheal diseases, a significant public health concern particularly impacting children under five in low- and middle-income countries.
Mr. Vosataki described a safe sanitation system as one that effectively isolates human waste from public contact throughout the entire sanitation service process. He stressed the ministry’s commitment to ensuring safe sanitation measures are in place to safeguard public health, collaborating with various stakeholders in developing effective sanitation strategies and programs.
This initiative for better sanitation access offers a hopeful outlook, as it aims to improve health outcomes and enhance the quality of life for those living in informal settlements. By focusing on these critical infrastructure improvements, the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Health, WAF, and RISE can lead to healthier communities and better living conditions for vulnerable populations.
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