The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has reached an agreement with the Government of Fiji and the Water Authority of Fiji to provide $385 million in financing for the ambitious Healthy Oceans and Water Security Improvement Project. This initiative reflects a critical commitment to enhancing Fiji’s water infrastructure and environmental sustainability, aligning with the country’s strategic planning for 2050 and its National Development Plan for 2025-2029.
Aaron Batten, Regional Director of ADB’s Pacific Subregional Office, highlighted that the project will significantly increase the treatment capacity of the Kinoya Wastewater Treatment Plant and revamp wastewater infrastructure along the Suva-Nausori corridor. These efforts are poised to cut water losses substantially, improve service reliability, and facilitate urban growth, all while prioritizing the health of Fiji’s natural environments and ocean ecosystems.
Key elements of the project include doubling the capacity of the Kinoya Wastewater Treatment Plant, employing state-of-the-art technologies to reduce energy use and maintenance costs, and addressing Fiji’s aging pipe network to significantly lessen water leakage. This initiative is expected to save more than 10.5 million cubic meters of water annually and reduce carbon emissions by over 1,400 metric tons each year. These upgrades are crucial, given the pollution challenges faced by areas such as Laucala Bay due to the rapid urbanization of Suva.
Supporting the Water Authority of Fiji’s long-term plans, Acting Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad expressed that the project serves as a testament to the government’s efficiency and dedication to executing essential infrastructure projects. Implementation will occur over the next two years, affirming Fiji’s resolve to tackle infrastructural challenges efficiently.
The ADB is providing a significant portion of the project financing, including a $304 million concessional loan at a favorable interest rate of one percent, with a ten-year grace period, along with a $23 million grant aimed at regional training and capacity development. In support, the Fijian government will contribute $59 million in taxes and import duties, underscoring a cooperative approach to address these critical issues.
This comprehensive effort not only aims to improve water supply and reduce environmental impacts but also to foster sustainable development, reflecting a vision for Fiji to become a regional leader in environmentally-conscious infrastructure development. As part of the broader strategy to address climate change impacts, the initiative incorporates establishing a regional training hub in Lautoka to build a skilled workforce capable of managing advanced water and wastewater facilities across Fiji and the Pacific.
Fiji’s strategic partnership with ADB reinforces its path toward a sustainable, economically robust future, ensuring that essential services are accessible to all citizens while promoting environmental stewardship.