Only 17 percent of urban residential customers connected to the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) have access to sewered sanitation structures. This significant concern was raised by Isoa Vakarewa, the country manager for Revitalising Informal Settlements and their Environments (RISE), during the recent commissioning of a sanitation facility at Lovoni Settlement in Namadi, Suva.
In response to this issue, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services is partnering with WAF and RISE to enhance water and sanitation facilities in informal settlements across the Central Division. Toga Vosataki, the WASH coordinator for the Ministry of Health, pointed out that inadequate sanitation can lead to neglected tropical diseases and affects broader health outcomes such as undernutrition.
Mr. Vosataki emphasized the risks posed by lack of access to proper sanitation, particularly for women, girls, and individuals with disabilities. He noted that inadequate sanitation facilities contribute to diseases like diarrhoea, which remain a leading cause of illness and death among children under five in low-to-middle-income countries.
He outlined that a safe sanitation system is essential for separating human waste from human contact at each stage of sanitation—from collection and containment to transport, treatment, and final disposal. The Ministry is committed to providing safe sanitation solutions to safeguard public health by collaborating with various stakeholders in the development and implementation of sanitation programs and investment.
This initiative is crucial, not only for improving health outcomes but also for enhancing mental and social well-being. The ongoing efforts to improve access to safe sanitation in Fiji highlight the commitment to addressing public health challenges and enhancing the quality of life in vulnerable communities.
In summary, while only a small percentage of urban residents currently have access to better sanitation systems, concerted efforts by the Ministry of Health, WAF, and RISE mark a proactive approach to eliminate this health crisis and improve living conditions in informal settlements. The collaboration among these organizations fosters hope for a healthier, more equitable future for all communities in Fiji.
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