Residents of Nakura Settlement in Saqani, Cakaudrove no longer have to walk long distances to fetch water following the commissioning of a new government-funded water project.
For resident Taraivini Sokula the project marks the end of decades of hardship experienced by families living in the settlement.
“I was born and raised in this settlement and for more than 50 years we struggled with accessing clean water,” she said.
Ms Sokula said the assistance was an answered prayer for the community.
“Whenever the river flooded and became muddy, we depended entirely on rainwater harvesting. Those were very difficult times for us.”
She said it was an emotional and joyful day for mothers and the elderly in the settlement because they were finally witnessing their children and grandchildren having access to clean and reliable water in their homes.
Funded through the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management’s Self-Help Program, the project was implemented at a cost of more than $32,000.
The project involved upgrading the settlement’s water catchment system to improve water storage capacity and strengthen the management and supply of clean water for household consumption and sanitation use.
The project directly benefits 10 households with a population of 58 people, including women, children and senior citizens.
Rural and Maritime Development Minister Mosese Bulitavu said access to clean water remained one of government’s priorities in improving the wellbeing of rural and maritime communities.
“Water is not a privilege; it is a basic necessity for every family,” Mr Bulitavu said.
He said the government was committed to ensuring that no community was left behind in accessing essential services such as clean and safe drinking water.
“This assistance is about easing the daily burden faced by families, especially women, mothers and the elderly who have endured years of hardship just to access water for their homes.”
He said the project would bring relief to families in Nakura Settlement who had spent years struggling to access a reliable supply of clean water.
