Construction on the Colo-i-Suva water supply program is advancing rapidly, with an expected completion date between December this year and mid-January next year, followed by commissioning in February. Seru Soderberg, the chief executive officer of the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF), emphasized that this project represents a critical enhancement to the region’s water supply infrastructure.
Launched in 2025, the initiative spans a timeline of one year and six months, with contractors commencing physical work in November. The current emphasis is on the installation of pipelines in the Colo-i-Suva area, while the final designs for a new pump station and reservoirs are being completed. The upgrade involves the construction of two reservoirs, each designed to hold five million liters of water.
In a move to support this essential development, Cabinet previously approved a partial surrender of the Colo-i-Suva forestry reserve. The project’s objective is to enhance water service delivery for communities situated between Sawani and Tacirua. Soderberg highlighted that the new infrastructure is projected to reduce pressure on the Tamavua Water Treatment Plant by approximately nine million liters per day, redistributing demand and improving overall reliability.
Communities along the Upper Princess Road Ridgeline frequently face water shortages during high turbidity events at the treatment plant. The new system aims to expedite water delivery to these areas as services are restored. As Soderberg stated, “That will ensure improved reliability of services not only for those in Delainavesi but also for Vugalei, down Lami Town, and all the way through to Togalevu Naval Base.”
This significant infrastructure upgrade is poised to enhance not only storage capacity but also water supply reliability, especially during adverse weather events. As the construction progresses, it promises to deliver consistent access to clean water for the affected communities, reflecting WAF’s commitment to improving essential services for residents. This project serves as a beacon of progress, ensuring that communities receive the resources necessary for a better quality of life.