Residents of Vunaniu in Serua celebrated last week with the installation of four water tanks, each holding 10,000 liters. These tanks were donated by the Canada Fund to the Locally Managed Marine Area (LMMA) Network Fiji, providing a vital resource for the villagers who previously relied on a nearby creek for their water supply.
Inoke Tuiwanunu, the LMMA program director, explained that this initiative is part of the Vanua Sautu program, which also includes the introduction of a greenhouse nursery, the planting of approximately 2,000 mangrove plants, and the distribution of about 1,000 native trees to the village.
Vunaniu Village was noted as the first to receive assistance under this program following the COVID pandemic. Tuiwanunu remarked, “The donation we made is designed to help the villagers address their water challenges, especially during inclement weather.”
He added that villagers previously had to walk about 300 meters to reach the nearest creek for washing, but with the tanks in place, even if one reservoir is compromised, the combined 40,000 liters should suffice for the community’s needs.
In addition to the water tanks, the organization plans to offer financial literacy training to the villagers. Tuiwanunu emphasized the importance of not only conserving resources but also promoting economic empowerment through this training.