Press Statement by Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services, and Transport on Challenges at Tamavua Water Treatment Plant and Suva Nausori

BACKGROUND

The Tamavua WTP was originally designed to operate at a capacity of 60 million litres per day (MLD) but is currently operating at 75 MLD to meet growing demand. However, its ability to maintain consistent production is significantly impacted by elevated turbidity levels, especially during heavy rainfall events.

High turbidity, caused by increased sediment and organic matter in the raw water source, leads to:

• Reduced efficiency of the treatment process, requiring higher chemical dosages and longer settling times.
• Frequent intake blockages, disrupting the flow of raw water into the plant.
• Lower overall production output, affecting thousands of households and businesses.

The Government, through the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF), has developed a comprehensive response strategy, including immediate, medium, and long-term measures to address these challenges and build greater resilience in the water supply system.

SHORT-TERM SOLUTIONS

To mitigate immediate challenges and minimize service disruptions, the following solutions have been implemented:

1. Installation of a Trash Boom at Savura Cascade

• A trash boom system has been installed at the Savura Cascade to prevent debris and sediment from clogging the intake system during periods of heavy rainfall.
• This solution, delivered by local engineering firm Bio Energy Insight Pacific, showcases the ability of local expertise to tackle Fiji’s water challenges with homegrown solutions.
• The system has already alleviated continuous intake blockages and improved water flow into the treatment plant.

2. Bypass Pumping Systems for Improved Flow Management

• Two bypass pumping systems have been installed to maximize outflow during periods of high turbidity and intake blockages.
• These systems allow for quicker restoration of supply, reducing turnaround time between service disruption and full production recovery.
• Both setups are now fully operational, providing additional resilience to the treatment process.
• Maximizing Chemical Intervention for Treatment Efficiency
• The WAF has enhanced its chemical treatment protocols, ensuring that water treatment remains effective even during high-turbidity events.
• This includes optimized coagulant dosing to improve sediment removal and maintain safe drinking water quality.

MEDIUM TO LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS

While short-term measures have helped to stabilize production, the Government is investing in long-term infrastructure projects to ensure the sustainability and resilience of the water supply system.

1. Sawani to Colo-i-Suva Pipeline , Pump Station and Reservoirs Project

• The tender has been approved, and the contractor is expected to commence work in April 2025.
• This project will take 12 to 18 months to complete at an estimated cost of $35 million.
• The new pipeline will provide an alternative raw water supply, reducing dependence on Tamavua WTP and improving overall system reliability.

2. Performance-Based Contract for Non-Revenue Water (NRW) Reduction – .

• The Suva-Nausori water system currently experiences 47% water losses due to leaks and inefficiencies.
• A Performance-Based NRW Reduction Contract has been awarded, with the contractor set to begin work in March 2025.
• This investment over five years aims to reduce NRW to the mid-20% range, ensuring that more treated water reaches consumers.
• Less water lost means increased availability, better storage, and improved service reliability.

3. New 20MLD Water Treatment Plant at Tamavua

• To increase treatment capacity, a new 20MLD Water Treatment Plant will be constructed at Tamavua WTP.
• The project, expected to take 18 months to complete.
• This will increase total treatment capacity from 60MLD to 80MLD, ensuring the plant can operate efficiently irrespective of weather conditions.

4. New Upgraded Clarifiers Will Be Installed at Tamavua WTP to mitigate against turbidity.

5. Strategic Infrastructure Investments through CAPEX, Loans, and Climate Financing

• The Coalition Government is prioritizing infrastructure upgrades through direct capital expenditure (CAPEX) investments, concessional loans, and climate change financing mechanisms.
• These funding sources will enable the timely completion of critical water projects, ensuring sustainable service delivery for Fiji’s growing urban population.

COALITION GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO WATER SECURITY

The Coalition Government remains fully committed to addressing water security challenges through strategic investments in water infrastructure. We recognize that service disruptions cause significant inconvenience to residents and businesses, and we are taking urgent and decisive actions to improve the reliability and sustainability of the water supply system.

We ask for the public’s patience and support as these critical infrastructure projects are implemented. The steps outlined today represent a major commitment towards ensuring that the people of Fiji have access to safe, clean, and reliable water now and into the future.

I am confident that with the above measures over the next 18 months and definitely by the end of the 4 Year Term of the Coalition Government, the major water issues of Suva Nausori Tamavua Khalsa Sakoca Lami will be just memories of the past.