In 2018, the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) successfully completed seventeen rural water projects, as announced by CEO Amit Chanan during a recent meeting with the Standing Committee on Natural Resources. These projects were accomplished with an investment of $1.05 million and were part of a broader plan that initially included 65 planned undertakings.

Chanan emphasized that enhancing rural water supply remains a critical focus for the authority. He noted that efforts are underway to strengthen the capabilities of local water committees. Chief Operating Officer Seru Soderberg provided details on ongoing training initiatives aimed at equipping these committees with the necessary skills for managing water supply assets effectively.

Three training sessions have been conducted in Nayavu, Selana, and Naisomo, aimed at empowering these committees to maintain water supply, particularly during adverse conditions such as heavy rainfall or blockage incidents in water systems. He underscored that these training efforts not only help build resilience in local communities but also enable them to take ownership of the water infrastructure provided by the government through WAF. For major challenges beyond the committees’ capabilities, the Water Authority will provide assistance with their trained technicians.

Chanan expressed gratitude for the support from UNICEF, which has provided funding to facilitate these crucial training programs.

This initiative reflects a positive step toward ensuring sustainable water management in rural Fiji, promoting community involvement and resilience in the face of environmental challenges. By investing in local capacity building, the Water Authority is not only addressing immediate water supply issues but also fostering long-term sustainability in water resource management.

Summary: The Water Authority of Fiji completed 17 rural water projects in 2018 with a budget of $1.05 million. They are focusing on strengthening local water committees through training to enhance community resilience against water supply issues, supported by funding from UNICEF.