Budget allocated for water projects from Sawani to Khalsa Rd, West and North

The government will undertake a major lay of 11.7 kilometres of water pipeline from Sawani to Colo-i-Suva and to Khalsa Road junction, a new pump station and the construction of two 5-megalitre reservoirs.

Deputy Prime Minister, Professor Biman Prasad says this project will ensure that the elevated areas such as Sakoca, Nagatugatu, Tacirua, Dokanaisuva and Coloisuva that faces continuous intermittent water supply will be able to receive 24/7 reliable water supply.

This project will also allow operational flexibility and be able to improve water supply along Princes Road.

They are also investing in the construction of a new 20-megalitre Water Treatment Plant to complement the existing Tamavua Water Treatment Plant with a total cost of $12 million.

This initiative will benefit 230,000 people living along the Suva to Lami corridor and parts of Nasinu.

It will enhance treatment capacity, allow for faster implementation timelines, and support future expansion to meet increasing water demand within these densely populated areas.

The Water Authority of Fiji has also begun works for the development of a new water treatment plant in Navua as well as a new water supply scheme in the Wainadoi area that will have a coverage area from Naboro to Nabukavesi, with the potential to extend towards Togalevu and Naimelimeli in Navua.

WAF is looking into extending water supply services from Veinuqa to Kasavu in Tailevu as well as from Naqali to Lomaivuna in Naitasiri.

In the Western Division, they are upgrading the water mains which will benefit around 80,000 people living within and along Dreketi Feeder Road, Vuda, Wairabetia, Nadi Airport, Nadi Back Road and Sabeto Road areas, focusing on improved and consistent water supply.

They are also investing in water extensions to previously unserved communities such as those in the Korovuto area in Nadi, and the Coral Coast region in the Votua area in Sigatoka.

Water source improvement works has been allocated as well to improve water supply services with the proposed works for Qalau and Nasivi intakes in Ra and Tavua respectively and rehabilitation works for Nadrou and Varaciva pump stations in Ba.

In the North, they are upgrading the Benau Water Treatment Plant, as well as water mains upgrade to Rara and Volanau in Labasa and this includes improvement works for Naidriva in Savusavu as well.

In addition, WAF has begun works for the proposed Wainivasa Water Source in Taveuni.

The government will soon start the legislative changes required for the corporatization of the Water Authority of Fiji.

WAF has been provided increased funding of $284 million to fix the infrastructure, including upgrading of water sources and treatment plants, reticulation and distribution and non-revenue water reduction.

Half of all the water that is collected, treated and then distributed through the WAF pipe network never reaches the tap. This has been a long-standing issue, neglected for decades.

In the upcoming financial year, the government is committed to a strategic path aimed at reducing non-revenue water significantly, from nearly 50 percent down to 20 percent over the next 5 years.

Then they will attack the last 20 percent.