The Water Authority of Fiji says the 2023-2024 National Budget is a positive budget and a step in the right direction for the Authority and its efforts to improve water supply and wastewater infrastructure in Fiji.
WAF Chairman, Savenaca Seniloli says this budget is very positive for the Authority as it will allow the team to continue its good work in improving water and sanitation service delivery.
He says it is encouraging to see that the government is focussing on the water sector through the provision of robust water infrastructure to citizens.
Seniloli says it is good to see that many of WAF’s projects aimed at improving water and wastewater services to Fijians have received funding allocation.
He says projects already under construction, including the Rewa River Water Supply Scheme, have secured allocation in the budget for its completion, ensuring that this ambitious project will be completed this financial year, improving supply security for people living in Lami-Suva-Nausori corridor.
Seniloli says the WAF Board and the executives are completely aware of the fact that with increased funding comes increased accountability to deliver.
He says the team is focused on ensuring that their program of water infrastructure projects will be delivered on time to improve service delivery to Fijians.
$250.8 million has been allocated to the Water Authority of Fiji – an increase of $60 million compared to the present budget.
$118.1 million is allocated for operating expenditure, while $132.7 million is allocated for capital investment to improve and expand the nation’s water distribution network and wastewater management systems.
$53.9 million is allocated to improve water sources and implement new disaster resilient Infrastructure, including water treatment facilities with a focus on reducing leakages, $6.4 million to improve wastewater operations, and $4.8 million allocated for WAF’s asset management.
