Denarau’s sewage problem erupts again

Repeated wastewater main bursts along the road to Denarau have raised concerns over foul odours, environmental risks and the potential impact on one of Fiji’s major tourism hubs.

Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Lawrence Kumar said the latest burst over the weekend was the third in the same area in the past six to seven months.

The leakage is along the wastewater rising main carrying wastewater from the Regent Wastewater Pump Station on Denarau Island to the Navakai Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Mr Kumar said the recurring bursts raised questions about the condition of the existing pipeline and the Water Authority of Fiji’s ability to maintain and replace ageing infrastructure. The DN250 asbestos cement wastewater rising main had likely exceeded its intended asset life.

“The current infrastructure, the current pipeline that is underground, has already gone beyond its asset life cycle,” Mr Kumar said.

He said the problem was not only an infrastructure issue, but an economic and environmental concern because of Denarau’s importance to Fiji’s tourism industry.

“A lot of our tourists who come to this country, at least 50 or 60 per cent of the tourists travel right down to Denarau Road,” he said.

“They either stay in those hotels out there or they visit Denarau. The stench coming out of that sewer line is quite unbearable.”

Mr Kumar also raised concerns about wastewater entering the Denarau River and the potential impact on marine life.

He said the recurring bursts highlighted the need for timely inspections and replacement of ageing wastewater infrastructure.

Mr Kumar also said the Navakai Wastewater Treatment Plant was operating beyond its capacity, which he claimed was affecting development in Nadi.

He cited proposed developments in Wailoaloa as an example, saying some projects were at a standstill because of wastewater disposal constraints.

WAF responds

The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) said its teams had assessed the affected section and were coordinating the necessary utility approvals and clearances before repair work could begin.

WAF acting manager communications and stakeholder engagement Peni Shute said the approvals were necessary because the wastewater main was located in a corridor containing Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) high-voltage electricity cables and other utility infrastructure.

“These requirements are important to ensure the safety of WAF personnel and contractors undertaking the repair works, while also protecting electricity and other utility infrastructure located within the work area,” Mr Shute said.

He said WAF was coordinating with EFL and the Fiji Roads Authority to secure the necessary clearances, undertake repairs and reinstate the affected road.

Subject to the required approvals and clearances, Mr Shute said WAF was making every effort to carry out the repairs at the earliest opportunity.