Villagers of Natadradave in Dawasamu, Tailevu, will never forget the day their prayers for a solution to their water woes and regular supply of clean tap water was finally answered.

Yesterday, led by the village headman, they thanked Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and his Government for hearing their plea for this basic need.

Now villagers like many other Fijians will live with the security and happiness that only clean water can provide; water that can used for drinking, cooking, washing and keeping themselves clean.

After years of having water problems and almost giving up the idea of getting clean water, the villagers now have a regular supply of clean tap water.

Natadradave headman Rusiate Delai said because of the low pressure supply they had to open the tap twice a day.

“We have been facing water problems because the number of houses in the village increased. The water was not enough to cater all of us,” Mr Delai said.

“We opened the tap in the morning and in the evening so that no water was wasted.

“I am glad that today marks a day we will always remember because now we have clean water all the time whenever we need it.

“The Prime Minister visited the site where the healing water is located and we were able to talk to him about our water problem and I am glad that he is a leader who listens to the people.”

Mr Bainimarama said it was his duty as a leader to ensure every Fijian had access to clean water.

“I believe that access to clean water for our people is absolutely fundamental to our future development and for the prosperity of our people. And because of that commitment, we’ve opened new taps, just like this one, along with massive new water infrastructure projects all across Fiji over the past decade,” Mr Bainimarama said.

“Under my leadership, we’ve brought the immeasurable benefits of clean drinking water to over 150,000 Fijians in rural communities.

“Because of that record, because of my Government’s leadership, tens of thousands of Fijians in rural pockets of Fiji now know that feeling of joy and security brought by seeing clean water run when they switch on the tap – that same feeling all of you know today.

“As your Prime Minster, that is what I’m focused on. I’m not focused on the mud-slinging we see from politicians in Fiji today. I’m not focused on the personal attacks or the politicking. I’m certainly not focused on dividing Fijians along ethnic or religious lines.

“I’ve kept my focus on development from the very beginning, real development that is making real improvements in the lives of our people.

“And every family should know that clean water is nearby whenever they need it and in whatever quantities they require. And I will not rest until that is the reality for every Fijian.

“For those reasons, while this is a victory for every member of your communities, it is a special victory for the women of Natadradave, and for your children as well, who can now grow up with the comfort of reliable access to clean water. And we can all thank God our youngest Fijians here today will never know the struggles borne in the past by your community in securing water that was safe to drink. ,” Mr Bainimarama said.

There are 24 houses at Natadradave Village and 125 people.

Edited by Percy Kean

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