The Suva central business district (CBD) sewer catchment has the dubious record of being the highest source of infiltration of storm water into Water Authority of Fiji’s (WAF) sewer systems.
WAF chief executive officer Dr Amit Chanan said their data showed that every time it rained in the Suva CBD, the sewer pumping costs would go up because they had to pump illegally connected storm water that ended up filling their sewer network.
“This is adding a significant ongoing operational cost for the authority and we must catch those who fail to do the right thing,” Dr Chanan said.
Minister for Infrastructure Jone Usamate while inspecting the smoke tests found many property owners along Cumming St were illegally connected to the WAF wastewater network, which also included road drainage.
“If you are not sure about it, please check it because we cannot afford the extra cost and this burdens the Water Authority in terms of electricity charges as well as the quality of the water that has to be treated at our wastewater treatment facilities,” he said.
“With the introduction of infringement notices, WAF will be strengthening enforcement and compliance to curb these breaches to protect its assets and the environment.
“With the recent amendments that have been done to the legislation, the Water Authority of Fiji has some teeth now and if people persist with this they can expect to pay the penalties that Government will pose on them.”
Meanwhile, the WAF said it would carry out more smoke tests in the coming weeks.
