People from Lane 25, Rarawai and Upper Clopcott, Ba yesterday praised the FijiFirst Government for commissioning water projects in their respective areas.

More than 400 people will benefit from the projects.

Vijenti Mala, 50, of Lane 25, Rarawai said it was a proud moment for her to witness children from her settlement drink clean water from taps.

“FijiFirst is the first Government who have thought about us and has answered our long awaited request and I thank Minister Bala for standing up for grassroots people like me,” Ms Mala said.

Leane Ratulevu, 44, also from Lane 25, Rarawai said it was a timely project by the Fijian Government and was proud to see children from the community drink fresh, clean water from taps.

“Water is very important for everyone. I remember times when the people in our settlement used to walk to other areas just to get clean water for drinking and cooking.

“Now we have clean water for washing, cooking, cleaning and most of all drinking and I thank the current Government for answering our prayers.”

Dhirendra Singh, a retired school teacher said that he would not have to hear the question ‘Kab Paani Lagi’? (When will we have clean water?)

“People here always used to ask each other this question and I was tired of hearing this. Not anymore, all thanks to FijiFirst Government,” Mr Singh said.

Mukesh Chand, president and advisory councillor for Clopcott Settlement said the resident of the settlement had waited more than 45 years to get clean water supply.

“On behalf of the people of the settlement I thank the current FijiFirst Government for prioritising water supply for us,” Mr Chand said.

“I am glad that the new Fiji we are trying to create under the 2013 Constitution gives us ordinary citizens’ equal rights to everything.”

Minister for Local Government, Urban Development, Housing and Environment Parveen Bala thanked the Water Authority of Fiji for the completion of the project.

“The project at Lane 25, Rarawai has costed us $60,000 while the project at Clopcott, Ba costed $150,000,” Mr Bala said.

Mr Bala also heard concerns of people mainly in regards to expiry and renewal of land leases and said that the ministry would be working closely with other ministries in the current Government to address the issue.

He will also be part of his ministry’s roadshows which starts today in Ra. The minister will be visiting Namara Village, Nukulau Village, Ellington sector, Malau sector and Nanuku sector.

He will be visiting areas in Tavua tomorrow and areas in Nadi on Wednesday.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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