TWENTY families in Narau Settlement, Rakiraki, now have reliable access to clean drinking water following the completion of a $34,000 water supply project.
For decades, families in the settlement depended on a nearby creek for their daily water needs, often facing health and safety risks.
The newly commissioned project provides households with safe and consistent drinking water, significantly improving health, hygiene and overall living conditions.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony last Friday, Minister for Rural and Maritime Development Mosese Bulitavu said access to clean water was fundamental to improving the quality of life in rural communities.
“Access to safe and reliable drinking water improves health outcomes, strengthens food security and saves valuable time for families, particularly women and children who often bear the burden of water collection,” he said.
Mr Bulitavu said the project reflected the Government’s commitment to inclusive development.
“Today’s occasion demonstrates the Government’s firm commitment to development that reaches our rural and remote communities and ensures that no Fijian is left behind.”
Resident Linieta Dreka described the commissioning as a deeply emotional milestone, marking a new chapter for the community.
“For many years, life was very hard.
“As mothers, we had to carry buckets of clothes down to the creek to wash, to bathe, and to fetch water for cooking and drinking.”
Ms Dreka said the situation worsened as livestock farming increased upstream, making the creek unsafe for consumption.
“When there were more livestock farmers, it became too risky to drink from the creek.
“We later depended on a small water source, but the supply was never consistent.
“We are truly thankful to the Government for this assistance. It will greatly improve our lives in the settlement, especially for our children.”
