After struggling for 33 years in Malomalo, Nadi, without any access to clean water, Mohini Lata, was a happy woman that Government had reached out to her and the community.

Through the water project established in Malomalo, 20 families now have access to clean water to their homes.

The project, which was on hold for almost six years after the borehole was created, was finally completed last year after Ms Lata continuously raised her concerns with the authorities.

Ms Lata who, is also the project co-ordinator, was in tears because she felt her efforts were finally recognised and people would not have to suffer anymore.

“We did not have any source of water supply and to be able to get water we had to use bullocks to cart the huge drums of water from river faraway and we use wells too,” Ms Lata said.

She said the crushing season was the most difficult time because they needed a lot of water during that time.

“We in the community of Malamala have always been faced with water problems and I thank the Government of the day for making it possible to have access to clean drinking water,” Ms Lata said.

18 solar panels have been used to generate water supply from the borehole to the 10,000 litre tank on the hill top.

And Ms Lata said she was glad that the community would not have to pay water bills as a result of the solar panel energy.

Ms Lata said another water project was currently nearing completion in Malamala Logi, which would benefit 40 more homes.

The Commissioner West, Manasa Tagicakibau, said the current priority was to ensure the provision of clean safe drinking water in rural areas of the western division.

“We will open the Malamala project soon in Nadi. We have opened most of the water projects in the Ra and Ba province and rural area and this is the people for generations who do not have excess to clean drinking water,” he said.

“These are the people who have been drinking from wells and we will continue to go out there and work with them to provide clean safe drinking water and that remain my priority in the western division.”

Edited by Naisa Koroi

Feedback:  arishma.narayan@fijisun.com.fj