Fiji Water’s latest capacity expansion in Ra builds on their efforts to provide an innovative and safe workplace with long-term career development opportunities for its nearly 400 employees in Ra.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka highlighted this as he commissioned the $140 million capacity expansion at the Fiji Water Plant in Yaqara.
Rabuka says he is proud to say that earth’s finest water is now sourced from one of the most advanced water factories in the world.
He says the capacity expansion project will surely increase export and further improve foreign exchange earnings.
Rabuka says he strongly believes that through this type of investment, they will be able to generate employment opportunities for people and will further improve their standard of living.
The Prime Minister says this is also a clear sign of confidence by Fiji Water to invest and expand its operations in Fiji.
He says this major investment is the largest since the company launched this iconic brand in 1996 and will increase capacity by as much as 47 percent over the next few years.
Rabuka says he is also very happy to hear that these new lines will achieve a 10 percent increase in energy efficiency efforts and result in 10 percent less cardboard in its packaging; demonstrating Fiji Water’s long-term environmental sustainability goals.
He says they have even started transitioning nearly 40 percent of their water bottles to recycled plastic.
The Prime Minister says this all underscores the critical importance of why responsible corporate citizens such as Fiji Water, in partnership with Government, have a shared responsibility to fortify their stance and strengthen global commitments to combat climate change.
He says the coalition government is committed to support and facilitate both foreign and local investors alike through providing the enabling environment and make Fiji a friendly and stable country for investment.
While acknowledging the founders, Rabuka says Lynda and Stewart Resnick have a very simple mantra that many businesses can learn from which is supporting the well-being of their employees and families where they live, work, and play.
Rabuka says through their Fiji Water Foundation, they have impacted thousands of lives not just in Ra but across Fiji and over the last 10 years, the Foundation has spent more than $17 million on a wide range of projects nation-wide.
He says from providing school backpacks for children, new wells for drinking water, community grants to local organizations, and major donations that helped fund new toilets at the CWM Hospital Maternity and Children’s Ward, their business success is closely linked with their community outreach.
Rabuka says the Foundation has also supported a number of efforts aimed at strengthening local infrastructure across Naiyalayala.
He says in collaboration with the village water committees, it has supported the ongoing maintenance of clean water sources to the villages of Naseyani, Nananu, Rabulu, Togovere, and Drauniivi.
Rabuka adds community grants have also enhanced the Secondary School library, rebuilt the bus shelter after Cyclone Yasa, and funded one-on-one tutoring for the children of Fiji Water employees.
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