Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Jone Usamate says so far, the Mineral Resources Department has installed 543 boreholes for people in Viti Levu, 225 in Vanua Levu and 361 boreholes on smaller islands.
While speaking on the theme 'Groundwater - Making Invisible Visible' during World Water Day Celebration at Vunimono Hall this morning, Usamate says the government has invested approximately $26.2 million for groundwater assessment and development on large islands and $35.1 million on small islands.
He says on the commercial side for groundwater assessment, the Department has attended to groundwater assessment for 2 sites in Nananu/Naseyani and Barotu in Rakiraki.
The Minister says the Department continues work on groundwater with WAF, Unit Trust of Fiji, and private stakeholders.
He further says for this financial year alone, the Government has allocated $1.6 million for groundwater assessment and development.
Usamate says this includes 30 groundwater assessments and investigations with community engagements, 15 groundwater drilling and development and 10 borehole water reticulation projects to benefit the rural communities.
The Minister says while groundwater is meeting the needs of the people, it is also critical to protect them from over-exploitation to ensure that there is enough water for our future generation.
He say in addressing this, Government is in the process of finalizing the Groundwater Resources Development and Management Policy through the Mineral Resources Department. He says this policy will ensure the proper development and management of the groundwater.
He also confirms the Government through the Department of Water and Sewerage is finalizing the National Water Resources Management and Sanitation Policy that will ensure the proper management of water resources, water supply and sanitation services in Fiji.
