The government is actively working to tackle ongoing water supply challenges in Suva, with initiatives that aim to provide both immediate relief and sustainable long-term solutions. Public Works Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau announced the implementation of several measures by the Water Authority of Fiji, including the installation of two additional pumps at the Tamavua Water Treatment Plant. This upgrade is expected to significantly boost the water supply to reservoirs serving Suva, Lami, and surrounding areas.
In addition to these immediate enhancements, plans are being considered for a new 20-megalitre compact water treatment facility, which would further strengthen the capacity of the existing plant if approved. This initiative is in line with similar successful projects that have been executed in Nabouwalu and other regions, aimed at relieving pressure on local water supply systems.
Ro Filipe emphasized the importance of augmenting the Tamavua Water Treatment Plant’s capacity, stating, “That will add to the capacity for the Tamavua Water Treatment Plant which will further alleviate the issues here.” A significant project on the horizon is the upgrade of the Sawani to Colo-i-Suva pipeline, which has cleared the tender process and is set to begin construction in April, lasting approximately a year. This upgrade will include new pipelines, pumping stations, and reservoir improvements, all designed to enhance water access in high-demand areas.
Furthermore, WAF Acting Executive Seru Soderberg underscored the necessity for the Tamavua plant to operate at maximum capacity, particularly in addressing treatment inefficiencies exacerbated by rising turbidity levels that have often hindered services. He remarked, “While we address these treatment inefficiencies temporarily, we are also preparing for the significant investment in the new 20-megalitre water treatment plant.”
Frustrations among residents have risen due to ongoing water outages, which persist despite ample rainfall. They express disappointment over conflicting explanations from authorities attributing supply issues to low water levels or contamination. In this context, the ongoing infrastructure projects represent a hopeful sign for the residents of Tamavua, Tacirua, and nearby communities who have long struggled with unreliable water supply.
As the population demands in the Suva-Nausori corridor continue to rise—now requiring 173 million liters of water daily—the upcoming $40 million Viria Water Treatment Plant, projected to add an additional 40 million liters per day, will be crucial in addressing the supply shortfall. Additionally, the Princes Road Water Infrastructure Project aims to modernize existing systems with a gravity-fed mechanism, improving service reliability especially during high turbidity occurrences.
The collaborative efforts of local officials and the proactive infrastructure improvements signify a commitment to recognizing and resolving the urgent water supply challenges faced by the community. With these developments, there is a growing sense of optimism that long-standing issues will soon be mitigated, allowing residents to look forward to a more secure and resilient water supply in Suva.
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