Water Woes in Fiji: A Year to Relief?

The water supply challenges affecting communities in the Nausori and Suva corridor are set to be resolved by this time next year, according to Dr. Amit Chanan, CEO of the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF). This announcement comes amidst rising frustrations from residents of Tacirua, who have struggled with inconsistent water supply for nearly a week, often relying on rainwater and water trucks for their daily needs.

For residents like 54-year-old Resma Singh, the situation has been particularly tough as she cares for a bedridden stroke patient. She expressed her urgent need for a consistent water supply, emphasizing that while they can manage without electricity, the lack of water creates significant difficulties for daily living.

Dr. Chanan explained that current heavy rain has caused turbidity in water sources, impacting WAF’s ability to produce adequate clean water. Normally, the authority produces around 75 million liters daily, but that figure has dropped to approximately 60 million liters due to these conditions. He acknowledged that areas such as Upper Ragg Avenue, Khalsa, and Tacirua have been hit hardest by these supply issues.

However, there is hope on the horizon. Dr. Chanan reaffirmed that the completion of a major infrastructure project, specifically a pipeline from Sawani to Colo-i-Suva, will help resolve these water supply challenges. He stated that the tender for this project will be presented to the board within two weeks, with the goal of awarding the contract shortly thereafter. By this time next year, he is optimistic that most of the work will be completed, alleviating the current water woes.

This commitment to improving water infrastructure reflects a proactive approach to addressing the needs of affected communities and restoring reliable access to water, a fundamental necessity for daily life.

In summary, while current water supply issues are creating significant struggles for many residents, planned infrastructure developments by WAF promise a future with reliable water supply, providing hope for these communities.