Habitat for Humanity Fiji (HFH Fiji), with support from the Rabi Council of Leaders, has made significant strides in enhancing water accessibility and quality on Rabi Island.
In 2023, the Council highlighted the water difficulties faced by the Tiburaro, Tabwewa Meang, and Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) communities in Tabwewa, along with the Kesukesu and Nadoi communities in Uma. Residents in Tiburaro often traveled long distances to access water from creeks and streams, while those in the SDA, Kesukesu, and Nadoi areas had restricted water access, managing only one to two hours per day.
These water shortages have placed a heavy burden on women, who have struggled to care for the elderly and people with disabilities, in addition to managing household tasks. Furthermore, financial constraints have made it challenging to maintain existing water systems, leading to deteriorated infrastructure and increased health risks, as women and children often had to source water from contaminated areas.
In response to these urgent needs, the New Zealand High Commission in Fiji allocated approximately $119,000 to HFH Fiji to construct a new water system in Tiburaro and to renovate four other communities’ water systems. As part of this initiative, the island’s first Water Committee was established, featuring women and community members to ensure adequate representation in decisions affecting the maintenance and management of water systems. Financial literacy workshops were conducted to empower these committees to oversee community contributions.
Additionally, with support from another partner organization, HFH Fiji improved water quality by distributing portable bucket water filters. These filters effectively eliminate contaminants, making the water safe for drinking.
In total, 38 bucket water filters were given to families for routine use, while seven were allocated to the Rabi Council of Leaders for future disaster response efforts and two were provided to community health centers.
Overall, the project has benefitted nearly 800 residents across five different settlements on Rabi Island, significantly enhancing their quality of life by ensuring access to safe and reliable water.