Minister for Public Works, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, has unveiled the government’s strategic plans to address the persistent water supply issues plaguing the Suva to Nausori corridor, particularly in the regions of Tamavua, Khalsa, Sakoca, and Lami. Acknowledging the public’s struggles with ongoing service disruptions, Tuisawau emphasized the need for patience and support as vital infrastructure projects are rolled out.
“The situation regarding water supply in Suva, Lami, and Tacirua appears chaotic and inconsistent, but I assure you that we are making significant strides toward long-term solutions,” Tuisawau stated. He expressed his commitment to resolving these issues before the end of his four-year term in December 2026, aiming to enhance the reliability and sustainability of the water supply system for residents and businesses.
The government is implementing several immediate initiatives to alleviate the water crisis, including enhancing existing infrastructure and adopting a performance-based non-revenue water reduction strategy to tackle leaks and inefficiencies. This is particularly relevant as reports indicate that the Suva-Nausori corridor is currently losing almost 47% of treated water due to various factors, highlighting the urgency of these measures.
Upcoming projects, such as the $40 million Viria Water Treatment Plant, are anticipated to deliver an additional 40 million liters of water daily to meet growing demands within the region. The Princes Road Water Infrastructure Project aims to replace conventional pumping systems with a gravity-fed mechanism to greatly improve service reliability, especially during periods of high turbidity that often complicate supply restoration.
Officials, including Seru Soderberg, Acting Chief Executive of the Water Authority of Fiji, are optimistic about these developments, as they not only promise to address existing water shortages but also cater to anticipated population growth in the area. By investing in these infrastructure upgrades, authorities are showing a commitment to ensuring that communities have access to safe, clean water long into the future.
Residents have been vocal about their frustrations, particularly amid heavy rainfall, which paradoxically has not alleviated water shortages. However, with the government’s proactive measures and the anticipated completion of critical projects, there is a renewed sense of hope among the community members that the long-standing water supply issues may soon become a thing of the past. The commitment to addressing these challenges reflects a positive step toward enhancing daily life for residents throughout the Suva-Nausori corridor.
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