The recent wastewater leakage incident along Narewa Rd, Nadi, serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for utility services to prioritise the upgrade of their ageing infrastructure.

This incident, stemming from a broken rising main, not only inconvenienced residents and businesses but underscored the critical importance of modernising our essential services.

The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF), responsible for managing the pipes in this case, had to grapple with a challenging situation due to the proximity of Energy Fiji Limited’s (EFL) high voltage underground cable.

While safety procedures demanded clearance from EFL for cable isolation and site supervision, it became evident that our infrastructure is operating to a point where the risk of such incidents becomes more inevitable.

Denarau Corporation Limited’s general manager, Nesbitt Hazelman, rightly pointed out that the infrastructure connecting the island to Navakai is almost half a century old, dating back to the Regent Hotel’s construction in 1974.

This aging infrastructure not only poses logistical challenges but threatens the economic lifeline of Denarau, a premier 5-star integrated island resort contributing significantly to Fiji’s economy.

In the face of these challenges, it is vital that utilities prioritise investments in infrastructure upgrades.

The collaboration between WAF, the Ministry of Tourism, and Denarau Corporation Limited to secure possible funding for the Regent pump station and its supporting infrastructure is a step in the right direction.

This effort will not only address current issues but provide the capacity needed to support future developments on Denarau.

Furthermore, the repercussions of such infrastructure failures extend beyond inconvenience.

Local businesses like Nad’s Group, which suffered productivity losses due to the wastewater leakage to its property, serve as an example of the real-world impact.

The health hazards, disruption to operations, and economic losses endured by such businesses underscore the urgent need for utility services to proactively address ageing infrastructure.

As we strive for progress and development, we must recognise that our infrastructure’s resilience and efficiency are foundational to our collective well-being.

Let the recent wastewater leakage incident serve as a clarion call for utility services to invest in upgrading their ageing infrastructure, ensuring the smooth functioning of essential services, and safeguarding the interests of businesses and residents alike.

Our future depends on it.

Feedback: ranobab@fijisun.com.fj