The water piping works at the Veiraisi Settlement, Nadera, by the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) has been completed as planned.

Prior to the works conducted by WAF, residents’ water meters had been connected at the Qarase roundabout using an outdated method called ‘gang’ meters.

This refers to where anything up to eight meters have been attached at the end of the water main, one on top of the other, sometime in the distant past.

“Once our investigations revealed the situation, WAF decided to extend the water mains from the roundabout up to the proposed subdivision settlement, where it is convenient for the additions of new water connections, and meters,” said WAF chief executive officer Opetaia Ravai.

“The residents who are yet to receive water need to apply for a new water meter connection, only then will a meter be placed in front of their houses.

“But, as of now five residents, like Tuidraki Anare, have the pleasure of a newly installed meter on their property,” said Mr Ravai.

An additional 14 water meters are expected to be transferred to settlement residents, once further verifications of meter holder names and numbers have been made.

Mr Ravai said the WAF 12-man crew laid approximately six hundred metres of 100mm PVC water pipes, making the new meter connections possible, in four short weeks. They also installed two fire hydrants for residents’ safety.

Tuidraki Anare, 54, a resident of Veiraisi settlement said, “This is a very big blessing to this area especially to those who have stayed here for a very long time and have not had any water.

“It is a very good time for Veiraisi, and I am thankful to the Government and the Water Authority of Fiji, now I am rest assured.

“Our meter has been successfully installed, and it is right in front of my house and I am really thankful to each and every hand that helped provide safe drinking water to this place.