The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) is working around the clock to restore water supply to all affected areas in Nadi and parts of Lautoka following the successful completion of the installation works at the Nagado Water Treatment Plant over the weekend.
WAF Board Director, Kamal Gounder said that most affected areas in Nadi and Lautoka have been restored.
“As of 9am Monday morning (1/10) 80% of affected areas in Nadi have been restored, while 90% of affected areas in Lautoka have also been restored. Currently, all low-lying areas should have water supply restored and WAF crew members are working hard to get elevated areas as well as the Southern end of Nadi (towards Momi) fully restored at a 100% and this is expected by midnight Tuesday (02/10) as water levels in the reservoirs increase in order to meet the demand,” said Director Gounder.
The Board Director said that the installations of the two new Vanessa valves at the Nagado Water Treatment Plant were carried out successfully and completed on time.
“Our contractors completed the installation works at Nagado by 8am Sunday morning (30/09) and water restoration to the water treatment plant which involved valve operations from the Vaturu Dam began straight after,” said Mr Gounder.
“During the shutdown, WAF ensured that drinking water standards in water tanks were in compliance, as well as the availability of limited water cart trucks were other challenges that we had to overcome. However, with advanced and proper planning our WAF team managed deliver and overcome the situation.”
Mr Gounder said that lessons were learnt after successfully completing the works at the Nagado Water Treatment Plant.
“We identified certain sections within the water distribution network that are weaker and sensitive to pressure variations. This information will be helpful for future operations. There are some more minor points picked up during the operations that could be further improved,” said Mr Gounder.
Director Gounder said that WAF also carried three important works during the shutdown which involved the repair of a leaking washout along the Vaturu to Nagado Water Treatment Plant High Pressure Bulk line.
He said that the other two works, were cut-in works and installations cross connection tee-valves which were aimed at boosting water supply into the Nadi reticulation.
WAF General Manager Customer Services, Mr Sekove Uluinayau thanked its stakeholders and customers for their cooperation during the disruption period.
“I would like to thank our stakeholders – Fiji Airports Limited, the Fiji Hoteliers Association, our business customers and our residential customers for their support and cooperation in taking heed of our notices regarding the planned water shutdown and working with WAF in continuing services to the people during the shutdown period,” said Mr Uluinayau.
“During the shutdown, as of 6am (01/10) the toll-free line 1507 had received over 700 telephone calls for assistance and clarifications. We also would like to thank our customers for their understanding and bearing with the Authority as it had to undertake critical works at Nagado,” said Mr Uluinayau.
Mr Uluinayau said that WAF is committed to ensuring clean water and sanitation is provided to all Fijians.
Meanwhile, customers in Nadi and Lautoka who are still without water supply can contact the Authority on its toll-free short code 1507 or email waterhelp@waf.com.fj for further enquiries.