The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $280 million (USD$125m) concessional loan and a $22 million (USD$10m) grant to support a transformative water and environmental project in Fiji aimed at strengthening water security, reducing pollution, and protecting coastal ecosystems.
The “Healthy Oceans and Water Security Improvement Project” will be implemented by the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) and will focus on major infrastructure upgrades in the greater Suva area.
A key component of the project is the expansion and modernization of the Kinoya wastewater treatment plant, which will double its current capacity.
“The upgrade of Kinoya wastewater treatment plant will significantly improve ocean health and water quality in and around Laucala Bay,” said Aaron Batten, Regional Director of ADB’s Pacific Subregional Office.
“The facility will adopt fit-for-purpose technologies that lower energy usage and reduce long-term maintenance costs.”
With rapid urban growth in Suva over the past decades and limited wastewater treatment capabilities, pollution in Laucala Bay has increased significantly.
The project will help curb this pollution, supporting the recovery of marine life and boosting the resilience of coastal ecosystems, including mangroves and coral reefs affected by climate change.
In addition, the project will continue financing a performance-based contract aimed at reducing water losses from Suva’s aging pipe network.
Most losses are due to physical leaks, contributing to high operational costs and unreliable service. The initiative is expected to save 10.5 million cubic meters of water annually and cut carbon emissions by over 1,400 metric tons each year.
To build local capacity, the project will also support the creation of a regional training hub for water and wastewater utility operators in Lautoka.
The center, backed by ADB’s US$10 million grant from its Asian Development Fund, will offer regionally accredited programs, expanding vocational pathways in water management for Fijians and Pacific Islanders.
