A BOREHOLE first requested in 2017 was finally commissioned in Natewa yesterday, ending years of waiting for the community.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka joined villagers to mark the occasion, with the project expected to benefit about 60 households.
Mineral Resources Ministry director Apete Soro said the request for the borehole was made eight years ago, with survey teams sent in 2017.
“Following the request, there was a survey team sent and another team in the following year,” Mr Soro said.
Mr Soro said work on the project only resumed last year.
He said the borehole commissioned yesterday was located a few metres away from the village and was drilled to a depth of five metres.
He said the borehole could only source about 23 litres of water per day and was powered by solar energy.
Mr Rabuka reminded the villagers to be mindful of how they use the new water source.
“The borehole will only work on solar,” he said.
“You need to remember the extraction rate as earlier stated by the amount the borehole can cater. Use it properly, do not abuse it.”
Mr Rabuka said the project amounted to $137,000 and would also benefit nearby schools and medical centres.
