Water Authority of Fiji gets $129.6M

$129.6 million has been allocated to the Water Authority of Fiji by government to ensure every Fijian has access to clean and safe drinking water.

Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, while announcing the 2014 National Budget address yesterday, said for a country with such abundant rainfall and world renowned natural springs, there are still too many Fijians who face a daily struggle to find clean water to drink.

He said government has increased the allocation to the Water Authority of Fiji by $32 million from last year which is for capital works projects totaling $71 million and an operating grant close to $58.6 million.

$9 million will go towards upgrading and fitting treatment plants in Tamavua, Benau, Korovou, Savusavu, Levuka, including other smaller plants in Sigatoka, Navua/Deuba, Taveuni, Ba, Rakiraki and Lautoka.

Another $9 million has been allocated to address issues facing metered water supply across the nation.

The main areas of focus for next year will be Suva/Nausori, Navua/Deuba, Nadi/Lautoka, Ba, Tavua/Vatukoula and Labasa.

$10 million will be spent on improving the authority’s distribution networks, to cut down on leakage and loss of pressure.
 
Government has also budgeted $8 million for wastewater treatment plant projects which are earmarked for Savusavu, Tavua and Navua in 2014.

Maintenance and upgrade works are planned at Kinoya, Namara, Navakai, and Natabua.

Government has allocated $80,000 for the purchase of water tanks for primary schools around the country.

To improve access to sanitary water in rural areas, $4 million has been set aside for rural water supply and sanitation schemes across Fiji.


Story by: Sofaia Koroitanoa