Fiji: More than 80 households in both Malomalo and Naidiri villages in the Tikina of Malomalo, in the province of Nadroga, are grateful to the Government for an improved water reticulation system.
Commissioned by the Minister for Infrastructure and Meteorological Services, Jone Usamate, on Friday (02/12/22), the new water system cost the Government $737,000.00 and includes a 90,000-liter water storage tank to cater for both villages.
The Minister told villagers that the supply of clean and sustainable water to each household is one of the Government’s top priorities.
“Water also contributes to national development and our personal growth,” said Minister Usamate.
“When we have good clean water in our homes and communities, it is also our stepping stone to improved hygiene and better health.”
The Minister further said that the right to safe and clean drinking water in adequate quantities is enshrined under Section 36 of the 2013 Fijian Constitution.
“To achieve this, Government has set a target under the country’s 5-year to 20-year National Development Plan for all Fijians to have access to safe and clean drinking water by 2030,” added Minister Usamate.
The new metered water system was a project of the Water Authority of Fiji and helped in fulfilling the Government’s stance to leave no one behind in the overall development of our nation.
Malomalo village headman, Semi Tanikili, was thankful to the Government for the provision of clean and safe water.
“The women raised the issue during one of our village meetings, expressing concern about the hardship they face in finding water every day,” said Mr Tanikili.
“We formally requested Government assistance for a new and improved water supply system through the Provincial Administrator’s office, and the Government heard us.”
“Naidiri village was also included in the infrastructural development, and we are happy that our water woes are now a thing of the past.”
Also expressing her delight, Asinate Navahua of Naidiri village, said the daily search for water is now over for women of both villages.
“Water is part of our daily lives, and this new metered system by the Government is a blessing for us all as we now can access piped clean water within the confines of our homes.”