Residents of smaller towns in Fiji, including Tavua, Rakiraki, and Ba, are grappling with ongoing water supply challenges stemming from aging infrastructure and unreliable delivery systems. While significant improvements have been concentrated in major urban centers such as Suva, the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) is directing its efforts to enhance services in these underserved areas.
Water Authority Chief Executive Seru Soderberg has recognized the urgent challenges faced by these communities and shared that multiple improvement plans are currently underway. He emphasized the critical nature of these projects for the upcoming financial years, indicating that detailed designs are in development to address the specific needs of these underserved areas. “The issues raised in Tavua and Ba are part of our plans for this financial year and the next,” Soderberg stated, expressing optimism that these infrastructure upgrades will help alleviate the struggles faced by residents.
Many community members are reliant on boreholes and other temporary solutions, battling with intermittent water supplies. Minister for Infrastructure, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, has called upon the public to understand the complexities of water management, particularly in light of recent droughts that have intensified supply shortages. He noted that water cut-offs, especially during nighttime, are necessary to allow reservoirs to refill.
Despite the frustration stemming from ongoing water scarcity, the government is committed to improving infrastructure across the region. Plans for enhancement are in progress, which aim to solidify the reliability of water services. In the Suva-Nausori corridor, where demand frequently surpasses supply capacity, initiatives like the $40 million Viria Water Treatment Plant are underway to boost daily water availability and support future growth.
These infrastructure upgrades represent a hopeful turning point for residents who have long faced difficulties with their water supply. As improvements advance, there is a growing expectation that consistent access to clean water will become a reality for communities throughout Fiji, fostering a more stable and prosperous future for all impacted residents.