The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) would like to provide an update to the residents of Malomalo Village and members of the public on the progress of the Malomalo Water Supply Project.
WAF is aware of the issues that the villagers are facing as many factors need to be taken into consideration before the water supply mains extension to the village is fully completed.
WAF would like to reassure the residents of Malomalo Village that the Authority is aware of their concerns with regards to their water supply and are in the process of working out a solution and completing the project.
The scope of work that has been earmarked for the project includes laying of water mains into the Malomalo Village, the connection of these water mains to DN 375 inlet trunk main from Voua reservoir to Natadola reservoir and as well as the installation of new water meters based on the processed applications by Village members.
A longer-term project includes the construction of a 0.15 Megalitres Reservoir and further extension of water mains to Naidiri Village to cater for the needs of the residents, on a 24 hour, 7 days a week basis.
In relation to these plans, WAF teams have carried out the necessary design works for the water project and has also completed a total of 400m of water mains into the Village.
What remains to be completed includes the installation of water main appurtenances, the connection of village reticulation to the DN 375 trunk main, construction of 0.15 Megalitres water tank and extension of water mains to Naidiri Village.
Progress on this project has been slow as several major events have taken place from the time that works initially began, all of which were simply beyond the control of the Authority.
The residents of Malomalo Village are currently reliant on sourcing water from a nearby spring through gravity feed to supply water through a series of 50mm PVC pipes, to the existing 45,000-litre ferro concrete tank, and straight to the communal PVC stand pipes.
WAF understands the frustration that residents must be facing as this source is not a very reliable one, especially during the drier seasons, as the water levels do tend to drop and sometimes dry up.
While some work has already been completed, progress has been slow as several events have happened in between, such as Category 5 and Category 4 Tropical Cyclones and the COVID-19 pandemic, which has impacted funding for the project.
Therefore, the continuation of the project will be heavily dependent on several factors that are again, beyond our control.
For the time being, the residents are free to utilise WAF’s rural/non-metered water carting services, which can be requested by calling the number 1507, and teams are always on standby to service Fijians who need it.
WAF also asks that residents remain patient and be rest assured that they have not been forgotten and the goal is to have them connected to a steady supply of water as soon as we possibly can.
For more information, you can call 3346777 and 5777 (Vodafone, Digicel & Inkk users) or email contact@waf.com.fj