2,010 people to benefit through the upgrading of six informal settlements in the greater Suva area

New Zealand has committed NZ$3 million over a three year period towards the upgrading of six informal settlements in the greater Suva area which will benefit 365 households and 2,010 people.

The Revitalising Informal Settlements and their Environment (RISE) initiative is a research-based group of institutions, led by Melbourne’s Monash University, working to make a difference in improving the health and well-being of vulnerable Fijian families and communities, through access to clean water and sanitation.

The funding will go towards civil works upgrades for six informal settlements which includes Wailea and Tamavua-i-Wai.

This includes the construction of streets, sewers, storm-water and water supply infrastructure.

New Zealand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nanaia Mahuta spent time at Tamavua-i-Wai, a settlement of around 40 households where the implementation of the RISE programme has improved site drainage and sanitation, strengthened homes’ water resilience and reduced vulnerability to flooding and the effects of climate change. They say it is hoped the program will help develop a replicable model for sustainable, nature-based water management solutions that can be applied in other communities across Fiji and the wider Pacific region.