Habitat for Humanity Fiji (HFH Fiji), with support from the Rabi Council of Leaders, has made significant improvements in water accessibility and quality on Rabi Island. In 2023, the Council reported that communities in Tiburaro, Tabwewa Meang, Seventh-day Adventist (SDA), Kesukesu, and Nadoi were struggling to obtain clean water.
Families in Tiburaro often had to travel long distances to access streams for water, while residents in SDA, Kesukesu, and Nadoi experienced limited availability of water, getting only one to two hours per day. This scarcity made it increasingly difficult for women to care for the elderly, persons with disabilities, and manage household responsibilities.
Financial challenges have also hindered the maintenance of existing water systems, leading to their deterioration. This situation has heightened the risk of waterborne illnesses for women and children who resorted to using contaminated water sources.
In response to these challenges, the New Zealand High Commission in Fiji allocated approximately $119,000 to HFH Fiji to facilitate the construction of a new water system in Tiburaro and upgrade the water infrastructure in four other communities. As a result, the island’s inaugural Water Committee was established, comprising women and community members to ensure proper representation in decisions regarding the maintenance and operation of the water systems. Additionally, financial literacy workshops were organized to empower these committees in managing community levies.
Further advancements in water quality were achieved through the introduction of user-friendly portable bucket water filters, supplied with assistance from another partner organization. These filters effectively eliminate contaminants, ensuring that the water is safe for consumption.
In total, 38 bucket water filters were distributed to families for daily use, with seven provided to the Rabi Council of Leaders for disaster response efforts, and two allocated for community health centers. This initiative has positively impacted around 800 residents across five settlements on Rabi Island, significantly enhancing their quality of life by ensuring access to safe and reliable water.