The Coalition Government, through the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF), recognises that water supply and distribution challenges must be addressed through sustained investment, modern technology, and strategic international partnerships.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka highlighted this while responding to a letter to the editor from Samu Silatolu, who questioned the lack of progress on Fiji’s persistent water distribution problems despite $20million being allocated over the past three years.
“Over the past decade, WAF has collaborated with leading global water sector specialists, multinational banks and bilateral partners to modernise Fiji’s water infrastructure, reduce losses, and improve customer service delivery,” Mr Rabuka said.
“The ADB-funded Performance-Based Contract with Miya SARL, a Spain-based company, aims to significantly reduce non-revenue water (NRW) percentage from 47 per cent to 20 per cent in the Suva–Nausori water supply system.
“The Viria Water Supply Scheme, a $270million project which has been completed recently, increases water production for the greater Suva–Nausori corridor by 40 million litres per day, ensuring that supply meets projected demand.
“It comprises a new intake at the Waimanu River, a modern treatment plant, storage reservoir and transmission mains feeding directly into the urban distribution network.
“Additionally, the Viria supply will be connected to Suva through the ongoing Elevated Princess Road Upgrade Project, further reducing water carting costs and improving distribution reliability into the Tamavua system which is affected during the adverse weather conditions due to the water quality and capacity limitations from the Tamavua Water Treatment Plant.”
He said WAF was modernising water treatment infrastructure by constructing modular treatment plants to address the water treatment plant capacity limitations and enhance water production.
“WAF continues to implement these improvement programs while pursuing new international collaborations to integrate global best practices.
“This coordinated approach ensures that infrastructure investments, operational upgrades, and technological enhancements are aligned to deliver sustainable, reliable, and safe water services for all Fijians.”