The 28-year wait to access readily available clean drinking water came to end for more than 120 Fijians from 18 households at Waiwari Settlement in Coqeloa, Macuata.

This was after the commissioning of a Borehole Water Project by the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Inia Seruiratu, last Friday.

The settlement is a farming community that relies mainly on sugarcane farming while other families engage in agricultural crop production.

Mr Seruiratu said it was a joyous and relieving moment for all residents after the project was first initiated back in 1994, but due to negligence and some circumstances, this did not eventuate.

The project was funded under the Ministry’s Self-Help Programme at the cost of $14,000.

“Apart from problems associated with the renewal of land leases, lack of utilities and development issues also contributed negatively to this migration,” he said.

The borehole project will not only cater for residents’ basic needs, but also support farmers of the areas as well.

Sugarcane harvester and resident, Saten Chand, said their hardship put to an end by the FijiFirst Government.

They expect to receive additional materials like five piping hose and have been assured by the ministry of a 10,000-litre water tank donation.

Feedback: sampras.anand@fijisun.com.fj