THE ageing outlet of the Lawai Reservoir in Sigatoka has been causing a number of water supply disruptions to Sigatoka Town residents over the past few months.
Acknowledging the concerns raised by the Nadroga Navosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry on the impact the disruptions had on businesses within the town, the Water Authority of Fiji explained the outlet supplied water to the wider Sigatoka area.
“The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) confirms that the recent water disruption affecting Sigatoka Town and surrounding areas was caused by a leakage on the DN375 outlet from the Lawai Reservoir on Wednesday, 13 August 2025,” a WAF statement to this newspaper stated.
“This outlet supplies the wider Sigatoka area, and urgent repairs were carried out during the day to prevent further inconvenience and avoid a more widespread impact.
“WAF’s complaints register and maintenance records show that over the past three months, only two major bursts and disruptions have been recorded on the trunk mains supplying Sigatoka.
“However, we acknowledge that the area has previously experienced frequent disruptions due to the ageing DN375 duplicate trunk mains, which are structurally weak and prone to repeated failures, particularly between Kedrakulu and the Sigatoka roundabout.”
The authority explained a more permanent solution would soon be implemented as they continue to engage Sigatoka Town stakeholders including the business community.
“To strengthen engagement with the local business community, WAF’s newly-appointed supervisor for the Sigatoka area has met with members of the Sigatoka chamber.
“These discussions addressed recent service issues, outlined solutions, and reinforced communication channels to ensure customers receive timely updates on both planned and unplanned interruptions.
“WAF has secured $1.04million in the 2025/2026 financial year to progressively upgrade the Matovo Water Treatment Plant and design a new 4ML capacity Lawai Reservoir.
“These investments will further improve system capacity, operational efficiency, and service delivery in the Sigatoka area.
“WAF remains committed to working closely with the community and stakeholders to deliver reliable water services and thanks to customers for their patience as these critical infrastructure improvements are completed.”