Prayers have been answered for villagers of Sawana in Vanuabalavu as they now have a more reliable access to water following the installation of new water tanks, ending more than a decade of water shortages for the community.
Village headman, Fitunoa Mateaki welcomed the support, saying the assistance has brought much-needed relief to the community.
He says they have been facing water issues for over 10 years and have had to rely on limited supply until the next rain.
He adds that they are grateful for this assistance.
Before the water tanks, villagers relied solely on rainwater collection, often rationing their limited supply and running out of water by late afternoon.
The newly installed tanks now provide greater storage capacity, ensuring households have enough water for daily use, including cooking, cleaning, and other domestic needs.
The installation is part of ongoing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives being advanced by the World Health Organization in partnership with Fiji’s Ministry of Health to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve sanitation in rural communities.
Several villages across Vanua Balavu have received water tanks under the program, which aims to improve sanitation, strengthen infection control, and build climate resilience in underserved communities across Fiji.
