As many as 250,000 people in rural areas in Fiji are not connected to piped water supply.

This, according to a new report released by the Pacific Regional Infrastructure Facility titled “Diagnostics of Pacific Water and Wastewater Association Water Utilities” which was released on November 16.

The report revealed in 2021, an estimated 35 per cent of the rural population, or 154,405 persons were connected to Water Authority of Fiji’s (WAF) operated systems.

“The target in the current National Development Plan is to increase this percentage to 62 per cent,” the report stated.

“Presently, about 250,000 people in rural areas in Fiji do not yet have a connection to piped water supply.”

The report stated over the past 11 years, WAF has implemented 611 rural projects, providing water to as many as 137,500 Fijians for a total amount of $83.9 million.

“Most of these projects have been carried out by WAF, using in-house construction resources.”

WAF is responsible for design and construction of Rural Water and Sanitation Policy and co-ordinates, prepares, formulates, compiles, and implements Water Supply Management Plans (WSMP) for projects.

“WAF will inform the community and collect the community contribution from those seeking government assistance before commencing construction works.”