Twenty families in Narau Settlement now have access to clean, safe, and reliable drinking water following the commissioning of the Narau Water Project by Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Mosese Bulitavu.
The newly completed project ends decades of hardship for residents who previously relied on a nearby creek for water.
For 66-year-old Linieta Dreka, who has lived in the settlement for over 30 years, the commissioning marked a deeply emotional moment.
She says life was difficult for years, especially for mothers who had to carry buckets to the creek to bathe, wash clothes, and fetch water for cooking and drinking.
Dreka says the situation worsened as livestock farming increased upstream, making the creek unsafe. They eventually relied on a small water source, but the supply was never consistent.
She says they are truly thankful to Government, and the new water supply will greatly improve their lives, especially for their children.
The Narau Water Project was completed at a cost of $34,000 under the Ministry’s High-Risk Water and Sanitation Programme and now ensures families have reliable access to safe drinking water—significantly improving hygiene, health, and daily living conditions.
While commissioning the project, Minister Bulitavu says access to clean water is essential to improving rural livelihoods.
He says it not only improves health outcomes and strengthens food security, but also saves valuable time for families—particularly women and children who often carry the burden of water collection.
Bulitavu says the project reflects Government’s firm commitment to inclusive development and ensuring no Fijian is left behind.
