1,700 boreholes expected to be constructed in the country

1,700 boreholes are expected to be constructed around the country, with 500 in Vanua Levu, 1,000 in Viti Levu and 200 in the maritime areas.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad says they have set up a task force, which includes the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Lands, and the Ministry of Works who will take a lead on this project.

He says they understand that the capacity within the Ministry of Lands is limited, so they are going to get the private sector involved.

When questioned by a member of the public during the National Development Plan 2025-2029 dialogue at the University of the South Pacific that the $5.7 million budgeted for this project is too little, Professor Prasad says they are not saying that they could construct all 1,700 boreholes in one year, but the idea is that in the next two years, they will be able to provide at least drinking water to smaller communities.

He says given the lack of technology issues we have, it will take time to complete all the boreholes.