Nearly 200,000 residents in the Suva-Nausori corridor will face water supply disruptions starting at midnight tonight and lasting until Sunday due to scheduled maintenance by the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF).
In light of these disruptions, the ministries of health and education are taking measures to ensure that essential services continue without interruption. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro announced that he would meet with WAF officials today to explore water supply alternatives for the affected schools. “We will issue a statement after the meeting and provide schools with coping strategies,” he stated, adding that closing schools would be considered only as a last option.
Health Minister Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu also confirmed that plans are in place to maintain normal operations at medical facilities despite the water shortages this weekend. “We understand the ongoing water disruptions,” he said, “and we have coordinated with medical centers and the CWM Hospital to ensure that services will continue as usual, so the public should remain calm.”
WAF is urging residents to store enough water for three days and has indicated that water carting services will be available to address urgent needs.
WAF’s chief operating officer, Seru Soderberg, explained that the planned maintenance is necessary to connect a new DN900mm gravity main from the Waitolu reservoir to an existing DN600mm Rising Main from the Waila water treatment plant, which supplies the Wainibuku reservoir. He noted that this would lead to one of three pipelines supplying the Wainibuku reservoir being offline, which would limit water flow to 60 percent of its regular capacity.
Soderberg mentioned that the work involves difficult terrain and a high-water table, making it a challenging task. “The 600mm pipeline will be shut down at midnight on Thursday to de-water it before work begins early Friday morning,” he explained. He acknowledged the inconvenience caused but stressed the importance of the work to avoid future problems. “We apologize for any disruption and assure the public that we are trying to complete the work as quickly as possible, weather permitting.”
Residents are advised to prepare adequately and stay informed through WAF’s media updates.