Water Authority of Fiji has confirmed that negotiations for a water source in communities within the vicinity of Namosi have already begun.

Chief Executive Officer Opetaia Ravai made the assurance in response to a statement by the SODELPA Opposition Member of Parliament Ratu Suliano Matanitobua yesterday.

Ratu Suliano in his response to the Presidential address said that the people of Nabukavesi, Wainadoi and other communities in Namosi were craving for a water project to be funded by the Government.

“I wish to mention the plight of the people of Nabukavesi, Wainadoi and other communities in Namosi sitting on the edge of a rich water catchment source for water project funding from the Government,” Ratu Suliano said.

He asked that the pressing matter be prioritised.

However, Mr Ravai said that the Water Authority of Fiji has already started negotiations with the land owning units for the preferred water source in the area.

Mr Ravai did not want to comment further on the catchment lease as negotiations were still on-going.

“Once the lease is secured we can then plan for a water supply system in the area.

“Also the long term plan is to build a wastewater treatment plant somewhere between Lami and Navua as this is a projected growth area,” he said.

Mr Ravai added that four years ago they had explored the possibility of the upper Navua River as a water source, however it was shelved as a company had secured the lease for a tourism venture.