Construction on the Colo-i-Suva water supply program is making significant progress and is anticipated to be completed between December this year and mid-January next year, with plans for commissioning in February. According to Seru Soderberg, the chief executive officer of the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF), this project marks an essential upgrade to the water supply infrastructure for the region.
Initiated in 2025, the project has a timeline of one year and six months, with contractors starting physical work in November. The current focus is on installing pipelines in the Colo-i-Suva area, while final designs for a new pump station and reservoirs are being finalized. The upgrade includes the construction of two reservoirs, each with a capacity of five million liters.
Earlier, Cabinet approved a partial surrender of the Colo-i-Suva forestry reserve to facilitate this development. The project aims to enhance and expand water service delivery for communities situated between Sawani and Tacirua. Mr. Soderberg noted that this new infrastructure is expected to alleviate pressure on the Tamavua Water Treatment Plant by approximately nine million liters per day, thereby redistributing demand and enhancing overall reliability.
In particular, communities along the Upper Princess Road Ridgeline often experience water shortages during high turbidity events at the treatment plant. The new system is designed to expedite water delivery to these areas once services are restored. As Mr. Soderberg explained, “That will ensure improved reliability of services not only to those in Delainavesi but Vugalei, down Lami Town and all the way through to Togalevu Naval Base.”
This infrastructure upgrade is set to not only strengthen storage capacity but also to improve the reliability of water supply, especially during adverse weather conditions. As the project progresses, it promises to bring more consistent access to clean water for the affected communities, showcasing WAF’s commitment to improving essential services for residents.