Four new 1,000-litre water tanks were given to successful applicants in Sakoca, Tacirua who have faced intermittent water supply over the past few years.
This initiative was made possible under the Water Tank Subsidy Scheme that is implemented by the Water Authority of Fiji.
Minister for Public Works Ro Filipe Tuisawau says Sakoca is an area that has encountered water supply issues for some time because of a couple of reasons; firstly the elevation of this area as whenever the reservoir levels reduce, they will be the first to experience water issues.
Ro Filipe says factors like non-revenue water loss due to pipe leaks, aging infrastructure, and population growth leading to increased demand for water outstripping current supply capacity contributes to the current intermittent water supply experienced along the Suva ridge.
He says the WAF team is currently implementing a long-term solution project to extend the Viria Water Supply System coverage by laying and connecting a pipeline from Sawani to Colo-i-Suva and constructing a pump station and a reservoir to supply water towards Tacirua and Tamavua to alleviate the current intermittent water supply along the Suva ridge.
Ro Filipe reiterates the project will be completed within the next two years.
The Water Tank Subsidy Scheme was allocated $2 million by the Fiji Government in the 2023/2024 National Budget.
He further adds that customers residing in metered intermittent supply areas who meet the criteria can apply at any WAF customer center or via the WAF website and mobile app.
He stresses with water being a basic human right, the Fiji Government together with the Water Authority of Fiji continues to assist citizens, and that is the sole reason they are here today to give a new water tank to assist the families to be resilient and have additional water storage.
