Tensions flared in Parliament on Monday as Government and Opposition members clashed over persistent water loss levels and infrastructure performance.
Opposition MP Vijay Nath questioned whether sufficient progress had been made to address longstanding issues, noting that water loss levels remained at 47 per cent.
“In 2022 the percentage was 47 percent and again today he is saying that it is still 47 percent, that means no improvement has been made,” Mr Nath said.
He pointed to ongoing challenges such as ageing pipes, illegal connections, meter inaccuracies and billing inefficiencies, asking whether corrective action had been taken.
“We gave them a lot of solutions… have you corrected or acted on any of these faults?” he asked.
In response, Minister for Public Works Ro Filipe Tuisawau dismissed the criticism, defending the work of engineers and the Water Authority of Fiji.
“This is the kind of hogwash we are subjected to in every question,” Mr Tuisawau said.
He clarified that water loss had in fact reduced incrementally over recent years.
“From the last three years it was 50 percent… 50 minus 3 is 47, so it has reduced,” he said.
Mr Tuisawau also reminded the Opposition member of his previous role as Assistant Minister for Infrastructure, urging recognition of ongoing efforts.
“I would expect him to at least show some appreciation for the hard work being done currently,” he said.
The exchange highlighted continuing concerns over water infrastructure and service delivery, as well as the political tensions surrounding accountability and progress in the sector.
