Public Works Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau says UNICEF is assisting with an assessment of rural water needs.

He revealed this during a media conference in Nadroga last week, adding the assessment would identify and document areas which lack safe or readily available water.

“And the Government needs to really plan for that,” Ro Filipe said.

“To put in place measures and strategies in order to address those moving forward, especially in the next five to 10 years, and priotise those at high risk in terms of water-borne diseases, such as Vusama Village.” Ro Filipe said the Government would also prioritise the establishment of boreholes.

“We’re working closely with the Ministry of Lands to bring that on line, in terms of identifying areas where pure water can be accessed through boreholes, and the Water Authority of Fiji can provide connections, so that is a key priority.”

Ro Filipe said they were also looking at the water-energy nexus.

“For instance, where boreholes are, we need to put in place renewable energy to replace fossil fuels, such as diesel.”