Following the planned water shutdown at the Waila Water Treatment Plant (WTP) which enabled the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) to carry out improvement works, thousands of customers in Nausori, Tailevu, Bau and Rewa now have access to an improved pressure and consistent water supply.
WAF General Manager Customer Services and Acting General Manager Operations, Mr Sekove Uluinayau said that this was no easy task for the Authority as it involved proper planning, coordination and continued commitment.
“Undertaking the improvement works at the Waila WTP as well as at the Raralevu Reservoir were imperative for the Authority, as we were able to commission the duplicated pipeline, earlier this month (14 Jan 2019) with the aim of boosting water supply into the Raralevu Water Supply system to meet the increasing water demand, due to population growth over the years. We are now able to supply an additional 6 megalitres per day (MLD) into the Raralevu Water Supply system,” explained Mr Uluinayau.
“WAF will continue to work to ensure that the water pressure improvements being experienced is sustainable to these areas. I would like to express my appreciation to the many customers in the various communities, settlements and villages in Nausori, Tailevu, Bau and Rewa for their understanding and patience while WAF worked to provide a better service,” he said.
Assistant Village Headman for Ovea Village, Kei Dausasaga thanked the Water Authority of Fiji for improving water supply to their village.
“Getting normal water supply now is a big relief for us, we no longer have to walk up to the main road to fetch water as we now have proper water in our homes. Water is a necessity and it plays a very critical role in our daily lives and we are very happy here at Ovea Village,” said Mr Dausasaga.
Lobau Feeder Road resident, Avineshwar Prasad said that water supply has improved to his home and community.
“It is better now, compared to before sometimes at night we used to have no water at all. And early in the morning when we are preparing ourselves to go to work, we used to have no water supply as pressures were very low. But now it (water supply) is much better, we are getting decent pressure,” said Mr Prasad.
Mr Prasad also thanked the Fijian Government through the Water Authority of Fiji for the improvement works undertaken.
“I am thankful for this Government for taking the initiative to fix this water problem in this area, especially pressure wise as we used to suffer in the past,” said Mr Prasad.
Cautata Villager, Sailosi Tamaka said that the villagers now have better water supply.
“In the past, we used to face water problems, now this is a thing of the past for us. We are now enjoying better water supply and the pressure has been really good, soon after the works were completed at Waila,” said Mr Tamaka.
Naimalavau Village Headman, Seru Bakaniceva said that water supply has also improved.
“We have experienced the water supply improvements and the villagers are happy. We are no able to water our flower gardens using hosepipes. My only request to the Water Authority of Fiji is that if these standards of water supply could be maintained,” said Mr Bakaniceva.
Lakena Hill #2 resident, Nishan Ali said that water supply has also improved to their area.
“Water pressure in now good and water has been consistent and it has been really good for us this week. Water supply has been going very well for us, both night and day. I am very thankful that water has improved,” said Mr Ali.
Meanwhile, customers are encouraged to report water pipe leakages or burst mains to the WAF National Contact Centre on 5777.