The Rotary Pacific Water for Life Foundation has announced an ambitious $2.8 million work plan for 2026 aimed at expanding rural water supply and sanitation infrastructure while strengthening groundwater engineering capacity in Fiji.
Speaking during the Technical Training Programme on Groundwater Engineering at Suvavou House, Foundation Chair Nalin Patel says the initiative will deliver 13 rural water projects, three rainwater harvesting systems and 190 sanitation units with blackwater treatment systems.He adds that the projects will target communities in Serua Province, Macuata Province, Ra Province and Tailevu Province as part of efforts to improve access to safe drinking water and sanitation for rural communities and schools. Patel says the initiative reflects the organisation’s continued commitment to ensuring that every Fijian, regardless of where they live, has access to clean water, adequate sanitation and improved health outcomes. He adds that the work goes beyond infrastructure development and focuses on strengthening knowledge, building technical capability and empowering communities to manage sustainable water systems. The training programme forms part of the Fiji Rural WASH Programme, which will invest $2.1 million between 2025 and 2028 to support rural water, sanitation and hygiene development in Macuata and Serua. The programme is funded through the Manaaki Fund of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and delivered through Rotary New Zealand World Community Service in partnership with Fiji’s Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources. The event was attended by Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Filimone Vosarogo and New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji Greg Andrews.Vosarogo, highlights that the country’s commitment to strengthening groundwater management and ensuring long-term water security.
Minister emphasizeS the growing importance of groundwater as a reliable water source for many rural and maritime communities in Fiji, especially as the nation faces the impacts of climate change such as changing rainfall patterns, prolonged dry spells, and the risk of saltwater intrusion.
Technical training was delivered by specialists from Earth Science New Zealand, including groundwater scientist Channa Rajanayaka and hydrological scientist Lawrence Kees.
Patel also acknowledged the support of corporate and development partners including Pleass Global and its bottled water brand VAIWAI Natural Waters, the Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation and the Fiji Water Foundation.
1He encourages participants to actively engage in the training, share experiences, and apply the knowledge gained to improve water supply systems across the country.Since its establishment in 2007, the Rotary Pacific Water for Life Foundation has invested more than $16 million in rural communities, delivering over 320 water projects and more than 200 sanitation facilities, benefiting over 120,000 Fijians. Looking ahead, Patel says the foundation plans to invest $5.27 million between 2026 and 2028 to further expand rural and school-based water and sanitation infrastructure across the country. He adds that collaboration between government, donors, the private sector and communities will remain essential in achieving the shared goal of clean water and sanitation for all Fijians.
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