Urban Sanitation Crisis: Only 17% Have Access to Sewer Systems

Only 17 percent of urban residential customers connected to the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) have access to sewered sanitation systems. This concerning statistic was brought to light by Isoa Vakarewa, the country manager of Revitalising Informal Settlements and their Environments (RISE), during the commissioning of a sanitation facility at Lovoni Settlement in Namadi, Suva last week.

In response to this issue, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, in partnership with the WAF and RISE, is committed to enhancing water and sanitation facilities in informal settlements throughout the Central Division. Toga Vosataki, the Ministry of Health’s WASH coordinator, emphasized that inadequate sanitation is linked to various neglected tropical diseases and can lead to significant issues such as undernutrition.

Moreover, Vosataki noted that the absence of appropriate sanitation facilities poses serious risks and stress, particularly for women, girls, and individuals with disabilities. He also highlighted that poor sanitation contributes to diseases like diarrhea, which remains a significant public health threat and a leading cause of fatalities among children under five in low- and middle-income countries.

The Ministry aims to implement a safe sanitation system that effectively separates human waste from human contact throughout the sanitation service process, from containment to treatment and final disposal. The collaboration amongst stakeholders is crucial for developing effective sanitation strategies and securing necessary investments in this sector.

This initiative represents a significant step towards improving public health and addressing the sanitation challenges faced by vulnerable communities. By focusing on safe sanitation, the Ministry and its partners are striving to enhance general well-being and prevent diseases that disproportionately affect those in informal settlements.

In summary, this collaboration aims not only to provide immediate solutions to sanitation issues but also to foster long-term health improvements in the Central Division. It reflects a proactive approach to public health that could potentially change the lives of many in these communities.