THE WATER supply in the district of Lomawai in Nadroga has been a longstanding issue that the landowners hope to address at the start of the new year.
Yesterday the landowners signed a landmark deal with the Fiji National Provident Fund for the release of more than $1million to the resource owners who hope to use a portion of the funds to finance water source projects for their six villages.
Viti Indigenous Tourism Alliance president Sitiveni Nawaqa said the first funds released from this payment would go towards these projects and the refurbishment of a few properties.
“We requested an initial $50,000 disbursement to complete the Werelevu and the completion of the Tui Nalolo’s residence while the remaining funds will be used to begin water restoration projects across the six villages,” Mr Nawaqa said.
“We are very pleased that we now have the money to move forward with projects that will address issues within our community.
“We all know that the villages in Lomawai have water shortage problems and our people have to source water from nearby rivers, buy water tanks and use boreholes.
“But with this signing we will finally address this problem.”
Mr Nawaqa said part of the agreement with FNPF through Momi Bay Resorts Limited would also focus on infrastructure developments.
“We also requested tarsealed roads in certain parts of the district and for the installation of water and sewerage systems as well.
“These are some things we are looking to push for because at the end of the day we want the vanua o Nalolo to benefit from the development of Momi Bay Resort.”
The six villages within the district of Lomawai or Wai district include Lomawai, Tau, Kubuna, Nakorokula, Bavu and Navutu.
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