FIJI is looking at desalination and solar-powered water systems as alternatives for remote communities facing longer dry spells and changing weather patterns.
Minister for Meteorological Services, Public Works and Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau said some maritime communities had limited access to traditional water sources, making alternatives such as converting seawater into freshwater increasingly important.
He said the Government’s Water Plan 2050 assessed Fiji’s water needs and the infrastructure required to support communities, including the use of rivers, groundwater and boreholes.
However, Ro Filipe said these sources could become unreliable during prolonged dry periods.
“So these are some of the alternatives we are discussing with our development partners, including the possibility of using solar power instead of diesel,” he said.
Ro Filipe said Fiji was also moving towards solar-powered water pumps, with tenders issued to replace some diesel-powered systems, including borehole pumps in Rotuma.
“But a rural water needs assessment also has been conducted with UNICEF to identify available water sources, gaps and infrastructure needed to address rural water difficulties.”
However, Ro Filipe said changing weather patterns meant Fiji needed to reduce its dependence on surface water, rivers and boreholes and consider additional sources.
Desalination could provide an alternative by converting seawater into freshwater, but he acknowledged that the technology could be expensive.
Fiji had previously installed several desalination plants, he said, but maintenance and backup systems had presented challenges.
“So whatever we bring in needs to have the whole package.”
Ro Filipe gave this update as Fiji prepares for the upcoming cyclone season while some remote island communities continue to experience prolonged dry conditions.
