Pure groundwater source in Naqaraivi, Waibau village in Naitasiri has helped a women’s ground set up a fish pond.

The fish pond was amongst various plans of the Waibau Womens Group business plans to expand the group’s income generating ventures.

Group President, Makereta Nofoimuli said Naitasiri is blessed with creeks, rivers that are sourced underground.

She said families from Naqaraive area in Waibau in the province of Naitasiri have always relied on groundwater.

“We started with two fish ponds where we raised enough fish to sell.”

“Unfortunately, the water pressure from underground was not strong enough that it affected the water flowing into the pond.”

“Now we are planning to set up a water dam where we can have water flowing from underground, into the dam and then into pond.”

“Water is oxygen to the fishes so it is important to have enough flowing into the pond,” Mrs Nofoimuli said.

Mrs Nofoimuli said groundwater has been readily available for families in the province of Naitasiri because it flows freely.

However, during dry weather, water pressure from underground slowly dries up.

She said even though this happens, there was still water in the creeks and ponds which families could use.

“This is a blessing for families here because we have groundwater that just flows freely that we can use as much as possible.”

“Compared to living in the urban areas, we do not have to worry about paying water bill.”

“All we have to do is clear the pathway to the ponds, creeks and make sure that the area is well kept be because this is water that families rely on for their survival,” Mrs Nofoimuli said.

While Waibau Womens Group awaits to set up their water dams, its members continue to do their farming.

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