The Water Authority of Fiji has made significant progress in improving the country’s water and sanitation infrastructure, completing over 20 major capital projects between 2022 and 2025, with an investment exceeding $334 million.
While delivering his ministerial statement in Parliament, Minister for Public Works Ro Filipe Tuisawau emphasised that these initiatives have directly benefited over 230,000 Fijians across urban centres, peri-urban communities, and rural villages.
He says one of the most prominent projects for the 2025–2026 financial year is the Elevated Princes Road pipeline, which involves constructing an 11.7-kilometre pipeline from Sawani to Colo-i-Suva and Khalsa Road, supported by a new pump station and two five-megalitre reservoirs in Colo-i-Suva.
He adds that work has already commenced at the site, and the project is expected to ensure 24/7 uninterrupted water supply to communities including Sakoca, Dokonisuva, Tacirua, Colo-i-Suva, Lami, and the greater Suva area.
Tuisawau says another major project is a 20-megalitre modular plant costing $12 million that has been launched to supplement the existing Tamavua water plant.
He says the facility will provide water to more than 200,000 residents in Suva, Lami, Nausori, and parts of Nasinu, enhancing the region’s resilience to water shortages.
He adds that there are other projects which will benefit people in the other divisions.
The MInister says that WAF has evolved from a basic utility provider into a driver of national development, demonstrating its commitment to providing water to all Fijians.
Opposition MP Virendra Lal acknowledged WAF’s achievements but highlighted ongoing challenges with ageing infrastructure.
He says some pipelines are over 100 years old, resulting in frequent bursts and service interruptions.
Insert: Lal on WAF issues PN 4th Nov
Lal emphasised that achieving reliable 24/7 water and sanitation services requires sustained investment, long-term planning, and political continuity, rather than short-term political gains.
