Heavy rainfall has caused significant disruptions to the Tamavua water system, leading to a decline in raw water quality at the Savura intake. This has in turn reduced treatment output and lowered reservoir levels. Seru Soderberg, the Chief Executive of the Water Authority of Fiji, emphasized that recent efforts have centered on stabilizing water supply while also implementing long-term upgrades to enhance the system’s resilience.
Soderberg indicated that teams are diligently working around the clock to restore reliability and improve infrastructure to meet the growing demands of urban areas. He acknowledged the challenging process of reservoir recovery and maintaining a balanced system, particularly for elevated communities.
The Viria Water Treatment Plant is currently operating at full design capacity, and to further augment supply to higher-placed areas, a new pipeline from Sawani to Colo-I-Suva is under construction. However, water carting continues in zones where network pressure remains inadequate.
Field teams are encountering access difficulties in some informal settlements, which include low-hanging power lines, narrow roads, and homes situated away from main thoroughfares. Residents are encouraged to place water containers at easily accessible roadside points during scheduled daytime runs, allowing crews the opportunity to service as many households as possible.
The Water Authority of Fiji is committed to collaborating closely with community leaders to enhance communication, raise awareness regarding water conservation, and address shared responsibilities in managing local infrastructure. The authority is also reviewing concerns related to the distribution of water carting services to ensure transparency and to align their service delivery with operational priorities and community needs.
The ongoing efforts by the Water Authority reflect a positive commitment to improving water access and infrastructure amid challenging weather conditions, illustrating a proactive approach to serving the community effectively.