$334M water projects at risk, Opposition warns

Fiji has invested over $334 million in water projects over the past three years, expanding access to clean drinking water for more than 230,000 people, but Opposition Members of Parliament warn that aging infrastructure threatens to undermine these gains.

Minister for Public Works and Transport, Filipe Tuisawau, told Parliament yesterday that the investments reflected Government’s commitment to providing reliable water for all Fijians, including those in rural and remote areas.

He highlighted major projects such as the Viria Water Treatment Plant, supplying more than 360,000 residents along the LamiSuva-Nausori corridor, the $5.4 million Nabouwalu Plant, and the $9.6 million Varaqe-Saru Pipeline Project benefiting over 25,000 people in the Nadi-Lautoka area.

Since 2022, more than 20 major capital projects were completed, including the distribution of over 1100 rainwater tanks to households in remote locations.

Mr Tuisawau acknowledged challenges such as maintaining infrastructure in areas affected by population growth and climate impact like drought.

However, Opposition MP Virendra Lal cautioned that despite these achievements, Fiji is facing a “national infrastructure emergency.”

He said the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) loses up to 47 per cent of treated water through leaks and outdated pipelines, some of which are 50 to 100 years old, costing the economy around $23 million annually.

“The problem goes beyond water, our roads, bridges, and electricity networks are also operating past their lifespan,” Mr Lal said.

“We need consistent, long-term planning that transcends political cycles.”

However, Mr Tuisawau said Government is implementing the Water Sector Strategy 2050, an $8.7 billion long-term plan aimed at modernizing infrastructure, improving climate resilience, and ensuring reliable 24-hour water supply nationwide.

“These projects are not for one Government but for all Fijians,” he said.

Government maintains that current investments are a critical step toward achieving universal and sustainable access to clean water, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6.

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