Only 17 percent of urban residential customers connected to the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) water supplies currently have access to sewered sanitation systems. This issue was underscored by Isoa Vakarewa, the country manager of 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 challenge, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, in partnership with the WAF and RISE, is working 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 leads to various neglected tropical diseases, as well as serious consequences like undernutrition.
Mr. Vosataki emphasized that the lack of suitable sanitation options significantly heightens risks and concerns, particularly for women, girls, and individuals with disabilities. He noted that inadequate sanitation can lead to diseases such as diarrhea, a major public health issue and a leading cause of illness and fatalities in children under five in low- and middle-income nations.
He described a safe sanitation system as one that effectively separates human waste from human contact at every stage—from capture and containment to transport, treatment, and final disposal. The Ministry of Health aims to ensure the availability of safe sanitation as a means of safeguarding public health, collaborating with various stakeholders to develop and invest in sanitation programs.
This initiative signifies a crucial step towards improving not only physical health through disease prevention but also enhancing mental and social well-being within communities. The ongoing efforts highlight a commitment to addressing sanitation needs, which is essential for building healthier and more resilient communities in Fiji.
In summary, while access to sewered sanitation is alarmingly low, the coordinated efforts by various organizations are paving the way toward meaningful improvements in public health and community welfare in Fiji, fostering hope for a healthier future.
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