The donation came as a huge relief for the 52 families in the village who have been struggling to access clean drinking water over the years.

For the first time yesterday, villagers of Korobebe in Sabeto, Nadi, were able to access clean drinking water in their taps.

The recent development is a huge relief for the 52 families.

This after the Commissioner Western’s Office in partnership with Live and Learn Environment and Education and United Nations Development Programme through the Pacific Risk Resilience Programme handed the village four water tanks.

Unaisi Molea, 58,was among elated villagers who acknowledge the Government and sponsors for reaching out to the people.

“Our struggle has ended today as we have excess to clean drinking water. The struggle from previous years has now ceased.

“We are very happy and thankful to everyone who has pitched in to help because back in the days, we had to go down to the river with our buckets and bottles to collect water daily.

In the past, Ms Molea said at times they would not have water for two to three weeks, leaving many students missing out on school.

The Rainwater Harvest Project cost around $8800 and is the first water tank for the village.

Village headman, Sailosi Saukuru said this was a great blessing.

“Now we will be able to cook, wash and drink using clean water.

“Our burdens have been lifted. Before we had to go to the river to get water and sometimes we would hire vehicles to take us down to the nearby village to get water,” Mr Saukuru said.

With the Korobebe Kindergarten close by, Mr Saukuru said this would help boost their interest to go to school.

Commissioner Western ManasaTagicakibau reminded the community that their office was always open should the people need assistance.

He also highlighted that the budget allocated to the ministry was not enough at times to cater for all demands of everyone.

Mr Tagicakibau said the Government has to work closely in partnership with other organisations to cater for the need of the public at large.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation also handed over water tanks to the Bemana Community in Nadroga. Edited by Caroline Ratucadra

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