All preparations towards the planned water shutdown which will see the installation of the two new Vanessa Valves at the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) Nagado Water Treatment Plant in the Western Division have been finalized.
WAF Board Director, Mr Kamal Gounder, said that all necessary checks have been conducted in preparation for the planned water shutdown, which is set to take place from 1am Saturday morning (29th September) until midnight Tuesday (2nd October, 2018).
“The Authority has mobilized its operations teams in the Western Division, all final checks have been made and the Authority is ready to undertake the installation works at the Nagado Water Treatment Plant,” said Mr Gounder.
The areas affected will be the entire Nadi area and parts of Lautoka, excluding the Lautoka Central Business District (CBD) and some outer boundaries supplied through the Buabua and Saru Water Treatment Plants.
“WAF will ensure that during the disruption period there will be minimal interruption to major services such as hospitals, the airport, schools and hotels, as water carting trucks will be deployed,” said Mr Gounder.
“A total of 58 water carting trucks and 14 – 4X4 twin cabs will be deployed to service affected areas to refill the water tanks that have been placed at strategic locations in Nadi and Lautoka. 41 trucks and 8 – 4X4 twin cabs will be deployed around the Nadi areas and 17 trucks and 6 – 4X4 twin cabs will service the Lautoka areas,” said the WAF Board Director.
Mr Gounder reiterated that the WAF is committed to providing clean water to its customers.
“It is of great importance that we undertake this installation, in order for WAF to continue to supply clean drinking water to its customers. We hope customers understand the need for this shutdown, and to bear with us in this regard,” said Mr Gounder.
WAF General Manager Customer Services, Mr Sekove Uluinayau said that WAF has reached out to members of the public by all facets of media as well as text messaging blasts regarding the water shutdown notice.
“For this planned water shutdown, we have informed members of the public through all facets of media, as well as short text messages to all customers living in the affected areas,” he said.
Water tanks have been placed in strategic locations around Nadi and Lautoka and water carting trucks will be available to refill these tanks on a continual basis.
“A total of 206 water tanks (5300 and 10,000litre) have been placed at strategic locations around Nadi and Lautoka. 100 water tanks in Lautoka and 106 water tanks in the Nadi area,” said Mr Uluinayau.
After the installation works, water supply to customers residing in low-lying areas will be gradually restored and progressively to elevated areas once reservoir levels improve.
Meanwhile, customers in Nadi and Lautoka can contact the Authority through the emergency toll-free shortcode 1507 or email waterhelp@waf.com.fj for further enquiries which is available 24 hours a day.