The Government is to investigate the incomplete $2.6million water reservoir project at Rara Housing in Labasa.
The project was expected to benefit about 25,000 people.
The reservoir, located in Lajonia’s Rara subdivision, was initially planned in 2014 by the Water Authority of Fiji to provide piped water supply for residents of Wailevu District, Rara subdivision, and Tabia.
Residents in these areas currently depend on boreholes and creeks for their water needs. Despite the project’s importance, the second phase of the $2.6m project has yet to commence, leaving many residents resorting to creeks and rainwater for their water supply almost a decade later.
Infrastructure Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau said an investigation was part of their plans.
“I will need an update from the Water Authority regarding the progress of this matter,” he said.
Asked by this newspaper, Ro Filipe neither confirmed nor denied that the reservoir could not be used due to leakages.
In the 2025 to 2026 financial year, under an allocation to the authority, funds have been provided for the planned water main extensions.
This work will be undertaken along the cross-island road spanning 19 kilometres from Wailevu to Tabia.
Following this, a new water pump station and the construction of a new two-megalitre reservoir at Vatudova would take place.
When asked about the progress of the project, Ro Filipe said he had very few details and did not comment further.
