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WAIKETE VILLAGE WATER UPDATE.

The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) would like to update the residents of Waikete Village and members of the public on the status of the water supply to the area and the work being done to resolve water supply issues being faced.

WAF Chief Operating Officer Seru Soderberg said that after some of the residents reached out to WAF regarding the water issues they are facing, the Authority started implementing temporary mitigating actions, while working on the permanent, long term solution to alleviate the water supply issues being faced by residents.

“The demand within the Suva-Nausori corridor has increased exponentially due to population growth and developments that have taken place over the recent years, and this has impacted the Water Authority of Fiji’s ability to continually meet customers’ water demands, especially during peak hours” said Mr Soderberg.

Mr Soderberg added that independent expert studies carried out by consultants have determined that the completion and commissioning of the Rewa River Water Supply Scheme (Viria), which is currently under construction, will address the existing gap between supply and demand. The Viria Project is expected to be completed this year, barring any major factors that may cause delay.

“We anticipate that during its initial year of operation, the project will inject an additional 20MLD into the Suva Nausori System – increasing our overall production capacity from approximately 164MLD to 184MLD,” said Mr Soderberg.

“Interfacing works in preparation for the Viria Project are well underway, with provisions being made to allow this additional volume of water to be utilised in the Nausori-end of the System as soon as the project is commissioned.”

In the interim, Mr Soderberg said that WAF has begun mobilising and deploying Communal Water Tanks to serve the people, and water carting services are being provided to top up these tanks.

“Our operations teams will be adjusting and balancing the flow through the system, to improve water supply pressure to Waikete Village. This activity may result in the surrounding areas experiencing lower pressure, however, our teams will be closely monitoring the situation to minimize the impact as much as possible,” he said.

The Water Authority of Fiji, as part of its long-term solution, will be seeking funding to upgrade the existing undersized pipeline.

Mr Soderberg is asking for the understanding of the villagers of Waikete as some time will be taken for the permanent solution to ease their water problems. He is also requesting with them to bear with WAF as they work towards rectifying the water supply issues.

For further enquiries, customers can call 3346777 or short code 5777 (all mobile networks) or email contact@waf.com.fj

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What is the process and fee for a new water connection?

How much is the Lodgment fee?

  • House under construction / Vacant land / Commercial or Industrial
    • $101.00.
  • Completely built house. – [Please provide a letter from the lands department and/ or completion certificate ]
    • $21.95. [Please provide a letter from the lands department. completion certificate or Stamped Statutory declaration on the completion of the house]

Processing Time

  • Inspection to Approval – 15 Working days from the inspection date.
  • Installation – 30 Working days from payment of New Connection cost, on a first-come, first-serve basis. [Stakeholder processing may cause delays]. *Note: Approval of installation is valid for 3 months from the date of issue.

How much does the new connection cost?

  • Type A – $285 [“T” from existing connection] Type B $345 [direct connection from WAF main line]
  • New connection costs for Commercial and Industrial customers will be estimated according to requirements and a cost will be provided.
  • Road Crossing/ Service Enlargement is payable if required for additional meters requested. This will be communicated when the approval of internal and external stakeholders are obtained. WAF on behalf of FRA will refund any unused monies to the customer where applicable.