1700 boreholes targeted for Fijians

Government is prioritising improving water accessibility in rural areas by focusing on constructing 1700 borehole across Fiji.

This was revealed by Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Biman Prasad during his visit to Labasa last week.

Mr Prasad said the $6 million allocated for borehole developments had been prioritised with 500 identified on Vanua Levu, 1000 in Viti Levu and 200 in the maritime islands.

He said Government had been digging boreholes in allocated areas.

“Some things cannot be done overnight such as bridges and roads,” Mr Prasad said.

“We have signed for the four critical bridges project and that will start in June or July.”

The need for a quality road infrastructure is a critical need and Mr Prasad said Government recognised the growing economy in the Northern Division.

Valelawa resident Mohammed Rizwan while in Dreketi, Macuata shared the difficulty of obtaining water daily.

Mr Rizwan claimed Mr Prasad promised to address their water problems.

“We have a borehole, but, it is unsustainable,” Mr Rizwan said.

He said other issues included the poor road condition at Valelawa.

“Our children have to walk through the poorly maintained road in our area to attend Valelawa Primary School,” he said.

China help

Mr Prasad confirmed Government had approached China for more assistance on road works. He said they were aware of the need to develop roads in rural areas and urban centres and these will done in due course.

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