Fetching water from contaminated wells and carting water on bullocks will be a thing of the past for the villagers of Vusama and Naveisabasaba in Nadroga as their Water Mains Extension Project has been commissioned by the Minister for Public Works Ro Filipe Tuisawau.
Vusama Village Headman Veniasi Sokilevu acknowledged the government for its commitment to ensuring that all Fijians have access to clean and safe drinking water.
He also shared the various challenges the villagers endured for decades.
Sokilevu says there was no proper water source for consumption, which was one of their biggest challenges as villagers and as a community.
He says they would travel to wells and cart water on bullocks.
He adds their families have been fetching water from the well for decades, but first, they needed to clear the frogs from the well.
The Village Headman says this was the fifth generation to face such challenges, but they are thankful for the government's assistance.
The project is expected to be completed within 44 weeks.
While speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Minister for Public Works, Ro Filipe Tuisawau says the Vusama and Navisabsaba Village Water Mains Extension project is an initiative that stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Government to improving the lives of its citizens.
He says for too long, the members of these communities have faced the challenge of accessing clean and safe water.
Ro Filipe says the reliance on nearby community boreholes and related ageing infrastructure, rainwater and scheduled water carts, though a testament to their resilience, was not sustainable or safe.
He adds it is a basic human right to have access to clean water, and this opening celebrates the fulfilment of that right for 120 households in Vusama and Navisabasaba Village.
The Minister highlighted that this project will be undertaken by Sinohydro-HDEC JV (a reputable international contractor) under the Project name Sigatoka Water Coverage Extension Projects, which covers three sub-projects, namely Vusama and Navisabasaba Village, Nadrala and Waibogi Village pipeline extensions in Sigatoka.
He says a total of 15.72km of water mains will be laid under this contract at a cost of $6.12 million.
Ro Filipe says this cost is fully funded by the Government and represents a tangible commitment to the well-being and prosperity of our people.
He adds that it is a testament to their dedication to ensuring that no Fijian is left behind in our journey towards progress.
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