Residents of Tamavua and Namadi are urging authorities to implement a long-term solution to the recurring water supply issues that have consistently affected their communities. Despite experiencing regular heavy rainfall, locals continue to endure water outages, with the most recent disruption occurring last Saturday.
Many residents have grown frustrated with the repeated explanations provided by the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF), who often cite either low water levels or contamination as the reasons for the interruptions. Epeli Rabua, a resident for many years, voiced his dissatisfaction, saying that water shortages were rare 15 years ago but have become increasingly problematic. “Some days we are left without water for nearly two weeks,” he lamented, noting the irony of water cuts amidst heavy rain. He expressed how these disruptions significantly impact daily life, sometimes forcing him to arrive late to work or even miss days due to the time-consuming quest for water.
Another resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, stated that while the community has learned to adapt to the situation, frustrations persist, especially when water delivery trucks arrive late or cannot cater to the needs of all households.
In light of these ongoing challenges, there is a renewed sense of hope. Minister for Public Works, Transport, and Meteorological Services, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, announced that infrastructure projects are currently underway to tackle these issues head-on. With the Suva-Nausori corridor demanding 173 million liters of water each day, the introduction of the $40 million Viria Water Treatment Plant is expected to provide an additional 40 million liters daily to help bridge the gap and accommodate future population growth.
Furthermore, the Princes Road Water Infrastructure Project aims to bring substantial improvements to elevated areas such as Tamavua, Tacirua, and Khalsa Road. Notably, the upgrade will replace the existing pumping system with a gravity-fed system, enhancing resilience during high turbidity events.
Key elements of the project include a 1.43 km gravity pipeline from Sawani Junction to the Buresasa Pump Station, a 5.72 km rising main pipeline to the Colo-i-Suva Reservoir, two steel tank reservoirs at Colo-i-Suva with a capacity of 5 million liters each, and a 4.58 km gravity pipeline to the Khalsa Road Junction.
Residents are optimistic that these developments will finally resolve the long-standing challenges of inconsistent water supply, paving the way for a more stable future for their communities.
By investing in infrastructure and addressing the root causes of the water crisis, there is a genuine opportunity to improve the quality of life for residents in these areas. A commitment to ongoing development could ultimately lead to a reliable water supply, fostering both hope and resilience within the community.
Leave a comment