A number of farmers residing at the Draumasi Settlement in Tavua will now be able to access proper water supply for farming purposes.

This was after the Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment, Mahendra Reddy officiated the commissioning of the Draumasi Irrigation Water Source Project at the Settlement yesterday.

Mr Reddy said the $22,000 project was established after his ministry received requests for the provision of irrigation schemes for farming purposes from the farmers during a consultation in 2019.

He said the project would additionally provide access to clean drinking water for the residents.

“The Government understands how important water supply is for agricultural purposes,” said Mr Reddy.

“The quality and quantity of crops are directly dependent on the water supply accessed.”

“A total of 30 households were affected due to issues around water supply through this project the Ministry has been able to have running portable water for these 30 households.”

Mr Reddy urged the residents to take good care of the project.

“While we are happy to have assisted you in your struggle for water for both irrigation and potable purposes, we urge you all to take care of the infrastructure installed,” he said.

“The longevity and sustainability of the system depend on the governance structure you put in place.”

He said the project would also assist in organising the rural farmers in the areas like cluster farming, provision of extension services and irrigation.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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