Clean water flows to Nukudamu Village

Villagers of Nukudamu Village in Udu District, Macuata, now have access to safe and reliable drinking water following the installation of a new ecological purification system.

The project, commissioned last Thursday by Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Mosese Bulitavu, cost more than $54,000 and was implemented under the Ministry’s High-Risk Water Programme.

For years, villagers relied on water sources that became contaminated during heavy rain, raising health concerns.

Village headman Mataiasi Vakacegu said the new system had brought much-needed relief.

“With this new system in place, we now have water that is properly filtered and safe for daily use,” Mr Vakacegu said.

“We no longer worry about the quality of water we drink, even during bad weather.”

The system now serves 16 households, benefiting 65 villagers, including children and the elderly.

Miriama Cati, a mother of two, said the improvement had eased daily worries for families.

“It has brought much relief to us as mothers and we are now reassured that the water our children drink every day is clean and safe,” Ms Cati said.

The ecological purification system uses natural filtration methods — including gravel, sand, stones and living organisms — to treat water for safe consumption.

It also includes storage tanks, distribution infrastructure and a communal access point to improve supply reliability.

Mr Bulitavu said the project reflected the Government’s commitment to ensuring all communities had access to basic services.

“Access to safe and clean drinking water is fundamental to the health, dignity and resilience of our communities,” he said.

“This project is not just about infrastructure, it is about improving lives, safeguarding our people from waterborne diseases, and building a more resilient Nukudamu for generations to come.”