South Pacific Foundation aims to provide clean and safe drinking water in the north

Naweni native and South Pacific Foundation founder Ratu Lavisai Kabakoro is living his dream of providing clean and safe drinking water to communities in the North.

The South Pacific Foundation (SPF) has been working tirelessly to come up with innovative solutions for clean water access in the Northern Division.

The Foundation specializes in manufacturing water purifiers using materials that are easily available in nature, such as rocks, sand, gravel, and charcoal and these purifiers are designed to cleanse water efficiently and sustainably.

After evaluating the South Pacific Foundation's pilot projects in Naweni, Cakaudrove and Malua on Taveuni, the Health Ministry has endorsed the foundation's water purification system and is keen to integrate the system into the Ministry's Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Program.

Ratu Lavisai says their goal is to provide clean, safe drinking water to communities in the North and the beauty of their purifier systems lies in their simplicity and reliance on natural materials found in our surroundings.

The South Pacific Foundation has successfully piloted the project in Naweni and is currently conducting a second pilot in Malua before expanding to the Somosomo water reservoir.

The aim is to replicate this project in communities across the North, with the support of the Ministry of Health.

Waiyevo Subdivisional Hospital’s Health Inspector Vishal Kumar praised the filtration system for its efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and ease of installation.

He says by utilizing local materials like rocks, gravel, and sand, this system offers a sustainable solution for clean water access, and the maintenance can be managed at the community level, making it a community-driven initiative.

Kumar says the project is a significant step towards improving access to safe drinking water in rural Fijian communities.

He adds by promoting the use of chemical-free water treatment systems, the project aims to contribute towards reducing the prevalence of waterborne diseases and enhancing health outcomes.

Minister for Health Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu visited the pilot project in Malua last week and carried out site visits at the Somosomo Village and Koroqele reservoir.

The Ministry fully supports SPF's efforts in providing and further strengthening access to safe and clean drinking water, recognizing its importance for a healthy Fijian population.