The Suva Central Business District (CBD) sewer catchment has the dubious record of being the highest source of infiltration of storm water into Water Authority of Fiji’s sewer systems.

Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) CEO, Dr Amit Chanan said their data showed that every time it rained in Suva CBD, the sewer pumping costs increases because they have to pump illegally connected stormwater that ends up filling the sewer network.

“This is adding a significant ongoing operational cost for the Authority and we must catch those who fail to do the right thing,” Dr Chanan said.

Minister for Infrastructure, Jone Usamate inspected the smoke tests on August 21 and said that he was shown first-hand that many property owners along Cumming Street were illegally connected to the WAF wastewater network, which also included road drainage.

“If you are not sure about it please check it because we cannot afford the extra cost and this burdens the Water Authority in terms of electricity charges as well as the quality of the water that has to be treated at our wastewater treatment facilities.”

WAF welcomed the recent announcement on the amendment of the WAF Act 2007 during the 2022-2023 National Budget announcement.

“With the introduction of infringement notices, WAF will be strengthening enforcement and compliance to curb these breaches to protect its assets and the environment. To date WAF has been closely working with relevant stakeholders to educate and raise awareness in this area.”

“With the recent amendments that have been done to the legislation, the Water Authority of Fiji has some teeth now and if people persist with this they can expect to pay the penalties that the Government will pose on them,” Mr Usamate said.

Dr Chanan thanked Mr Usamate and the Fijian Government for considering this, as it would allow the Authority to impose fines to repeat offenders, which acts as a deterrent for recommitting the offence. Smoke testing involves forcing smoke-filled air through a sewer line.

The smoke under pressure fills the main line; then follows the path of connections, quickly revealing any illegal stormwater connections.

This exercise assists WAF in identifying these problems and developing strategies that will ultimately lead to the increased capacity of the existing wastewater network in Suva CBD by reducing sewer overflow during rainy weather, and increasing the overall efficiency of the wastewater network within the Suva CBD.

WAF will carry out more smoke tests in the coming weeks.

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