More than 60 households in Waikubukubu Village now have access to a reliable supply of clean water thanks to the Water Authority of Fiji’s (WAF) Waikubukubu Village Water Project, which was completed last year.
The $191,090.68 project was launched by WAF last year to help the over 300 villagers living in the interior of Tavua, in the Ba province, and includes a new dam.
“This project is one of many that aligns with our mission to ensure that all Fijians have access to clean and safe drinking water,” said WAF CEO, Barry Omundson.
“Projects like these also give us the opportunity to generate work in the area and we contracted the Waikubukubu Village Water Committee to assist with labour, and Navuwai Construction and Plumbing Service for construction.”
In addition to the construction of the new dam, work included the laying of 3 kilometres of 2-inch PVC pipe from the dam to the Ferro cement tank to the village, the laying of 200 metres of 2-inch of galvanized pipe, the installation of a 90,920 litre Ferro cement tank and the installation of 29 standpipes and showers.
“We are committed to investing in Fiji’s infrastructure so that all Fijians, especially those living in rural areas, can enjoy the same quality of life as other Fijians,” said Mr Omundson.
Meli Ratubalavu, President of the Waikubukubu Water Project, expressed his gratitude and said that prior to the completion of the project, they had been without a reliable supply of clean water.
“We had to collect water directly from the river and boil it for drinking, and at times, we would walk for 3 kilometres to fetch water from where the old dam is,” said Mr Ratubalavu.
“Today, we have an abundance of supply. This is an enormous change in our lives including things like mothers no longer having to go to the river to wash clothes like they used to.”
“We have been blessed by this project and it has changed our way of life. We are so thankful to the Government and the Water Authority of Fiji as they have helped us to improve our lives.”
In light of the current drought conditions, WAF urges all customers to store at least 2-days worth of drinking water, particularly as Fiji faces drought conditions.
Over 829, 150 Fijians, comprising of thousands of families and businesses around Fiji, rely on WAF for their essential daily need for water.
WAF services cover 18,274 square kilometres of the 332 islands in the Fiji archipelago, of which 110 are inhabited.
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For more information, please contact the WAF Communications Team on email corpcoms@waf.com.fj