Fifty-five water trucks will service the tourism heartland of Denarau Island during a scheduled water shutdown early next month.

The Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association has its advised members to prepare themselves for this event.

Last Saturday, FHTA chief executive officer Fantasha Lockington met with officials from Water Authority of Fiji and yesterday she outlined the main discussion points:

Approximately 100 water trucks will be used to truck water during the shut down

55 trucks will service the Denarau area

45 trucks will service the Nadi/Momi and other areas.

There are 15 filling points that will be used to refill the trucks to ensure faster turnarounds. Further, two package plants will be installed in Nadi area to minimise travelling time.

The trucks will be available to refill properties with own back-up tanks and reservoirs.

The WAF Office in Namaka (next to Bulaccino) will be the “Command Centre” and phone contacts will be provided so association members can call to check on truck locations and timings. Lautoka CBD including Waterfront, Cathay and Lautoka hotels will receive piped water from another source (called Saru).

“Water will be released to the system on Sunday, February 4 after the repair.

“But, the restoration operation is a complex process we are advised, that involves air bleeding, cleaning and flushing of the trunk mains.

“Further, since the entire transmission system and all service reservoirs below Nagado Water Treatment Plant becomes empty, the anticipated time for complete water restoration will be two and a half to three days after the repair.

“Therefore, the supply is expected to be completely restored by Tuesday, February 6 in the evening.

“However, some areas will receive water before Tuesday.

“We have been advised that WAF will be giving priority for Blackrock reservoir that supplies to Denarau and Nadi.”

A WAF public advisory statement said a defective control valve and problems in the main transmission pipes had caused leakages and needed urgent repairs.

“The authority discovered a leak in the plant which it said could cause major long-term problems if urgent repairs do not start by the given date.

“The treatment plant, located above the hills of Nadi, had caused disruptions in July and December last year.

“However, this will be the first major shutdown set to affect a large number of people during a time of blistering heat in the western division,” the statement said.

Leadership Development Programme Module 2

Meanwhile, FHTA is offering their popular “Leadership Development Program Module 2”.

The FHTA Leadership Development Programme comprises two intensive modules of four‐days per module where participants will explore their strengths and development needs as managers and leaders, assess their effectiveness and consider new approaches in leading and managing teams, and learn to adopt a more strategic approach in their business roles.

The programme will utilise adult learning principles, and require commitment and immersion in the two‐module programme on the part of participants.

The programme will involve individual reflections and self‐assessment, group and team activity, dealing with a range of scenarios and developing action plans.

It is scheduled for February 6 to 9 at the Tanoa International Hotel.

The target group for the programme are managers who have been identified as having the potential to take on more senior management responsibilities in the future

Feedback:  maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj