The transfer of the Momi Water Infrastructure from the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) to the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) is expected to be a beacon of hope for communities near Momi.

Official documents were signed yesterday in Suva between the two organisations, officiated by the Attorney-General and Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

The transfer cost $2 million.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said the transfer of assets meant that almost 4000 people were going to have access to water.

“What this does now is that it takes away the management, the ownership from FNPF. Running a water system is not their core business,” he said.

“So, the ownership has now been transferred to the Water Authority of Fiji which is the competent authority to deal with the water reticulated system in Fiji and indeed, water supply generally.”

While the water system has already benefited many people, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said $18.25 million would be needed to extend the reach of this water supply.

He said these would benefit many communities including Nalovo and Nawai in Nadi, the gap between Nabila and Momi Village, and nearby schools.

According to FNPF Chief Executive Officer, Viliame Vodonaivalu, this has been long time coming since the memorandum of understanding for the transfer was signed in 2015.

The Chief Executive Officer of both organisations were happy with the transfer.

The minister thanked the two organizations for agreeing on the price set as it would also allow 24/7 supply of water.

He added that WAF would maximize this opportunity as they were mandated the task.

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