World Toilet Day is observed each year on November 19th to highlight the global sanitation crisis and advocate for clean and safe toilets for everyone. This year’s celebration was themed “Toilets are a Place for Peace,” and took place at the Vunibua Settlement, where 17 out of the 47 families residing in this informal community benefitted from the installation of their very own sewage systems.
The Water Authority of Fiji has reported that its 11 wastewater treatment plants lack the capacity to handle all incoming wastewater. In response to this pressing issue, the governments of New Zealand and Fiji provided funding for the installation of new sewage pumps for the selected families in Vunibua Settlement.
As explained by representatives, the decision to connect these 17 families was based on their significant contributions to the community’s waste production. Importantly, the newly installed toilets come equipped with dual-flush systems to promote water conservation—one pedal for urine, which uses less water, and another for solid waste, which requires more water.
Furthermore, RISE Fiji, an organization involved in this initiative, has ambitious plans to connect the remaining families in Vunibua Settlement to the sewage system, aiming for completion by 2025.
The Water Authority of Fiji also used this occasion to advise the public about proper toilet practices. They emphasized the importance of understanding what can and cannot be flushed. Common non-flushable items like rags, tampons, pads, and other waste materials can cause significant plumbing issues. Toilet paper remains the only safe option for flushing, as it breaks down easily in the sewage system.
In a hopeful collaboration, RISE Fiji, along with the Ministry of Health and the Water Authority of Fiji, is dedicated to achieving universal access to proper wastewater treatment by 2030.
This initiative brings a positive outlook on sanitation in Fiji, demonstrating the potential for improved public health and environmental stewardship as communities work towards achieving accessible sewage systems.
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