A new $17 million packaged water treatment plant is set to alleviate long-standing water supply issues in Tamavua and its surrounding areas by the end of next year. The Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services, and Transport, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, officially launched the project alongside local leader Tui Tamavua, Ratu Apenisa Kalokalosere Loki, at a groundbreaking ceremony at the Water Authority of Fiji’s Wailoku Depot.
Ro Filipe highlighted that the communities along the Tamavua corridor have faced persistent water shortages due to outdated infrastructure and reliance on rainwater harvesting and water carting for many years. The existing Tamavua Water Treatment Plant, which was originally designed to produce 60 megalitres per day, is currently operating at a strained capacity of 75 megalitres per day to meet the growing demands of an urban population.
The new facility is intended to complement the existing water treatment plant by handling the additional load and ensuring a reliable water supply throughout the Greater Suva and Lami areas. Ro Filipe noted that the current plant struggles with high turbidity levels during heavy rainfall, which impacts treatment efficiency and often leads to service interruptions. The innovative design of the new plant allows for a complete treatment cycle with rapid implementation, providing room for future expansion as demand continues to rise. Additional modules can be easily integrated, allowing for increased capacity without major disruptions.
Caledonienne des Eaux SUEZ, a leading global firm in sustainable water management, has been contracted to deliver this project following a transparent tender process. This initiative aligns with the Fiji National Development Plan 2025–2030 and Vision 2050, both of which recognize the critical importance of a reliable water supply for economic growth, public health, and community well-being.
The Tamavua Water Treatment project is part of a broader governmental strategy aimed at addressing the water supply challenges faced by the Suva-Nausori corridor, further emphasized by ongoing enhancements like the installation of additional pumps and improvements in treatment protocols. The developments are poised to bring significant improvements to water quality and reliability in the region, providing hope to residents who have long awaited a solution to their water supply struggles. With these advancements, the prospect of a more dependable water supply in the affected areas looks promising, fostering a better quality of life for the community.
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