Govt water project ends decades of hardship in Saqani

Residents of Nakura Settlement in Saqani, Cakaudrove celebrated this week after the Government upgraded the community’s water catchment system ahead of the second school term.

The upgrade is expected to improve water storage capacity and strengthen the management and supply of clean water for daily household use and sanitation.

The project was commissioned by Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Mosese Bulitavu and funded through the ministry’s Self-Help Programme.

The Government invested more than $32,000 in the project, benefiting 10 households with a population of 58 people, including women, children and senior citizens.

Resident Taraivini Sokula, 64, said the project marked the end of decades of hardship experienced by generations of families in the settlement.

“I was born and raised in this settlement and for more than 50 years we struggled with accessing clean water,” Ms Sokula said.

“During dry spells, our water source would dry up and we would walk nearly 20 minutes to the river to fetch water for drinking, cooking, washing and bathing.”

She recalled times when flooding affected the river and residents relied solely on rainwater.

“Today is a very emotional and joyful day, especially for us mothers and the elderly, because we are finally witnessing our children and grandchildren having access to clean and reliable water in our own homes,” she said.

“We are truly thankful to the Government, the ministry, the Commissioner Northern’s office staff, the Provincial Administrator Cakaudrove and the assistant district officer Saqani for remembering small communities like ours.”

Speaking during the commissioning, Mr Bulitavu said access to clean water remained one of the Government’s key priorities in improving the wellbeing of rural and maritime communities.

“Water is not a privilege; it is a basic necessity for every family,” he said.

“Through the ministry’s Self-Help Programme, Government is committed to ensuring that no community is left behind when it comes to accessing essential services such as clean and safe drinking water.”

The project is expected to significantly improve health, sanitation and the overall wellbeing of residents in Nakura Settlement, while also supporting safer and easier access to clean drinking water for vulnerable members of the community.

“This assistance is about easing the daily burden faced by families, especially women, mothers and the elderly who have endured years of hardship just to access water for their homes,” Mr Bulitavu said.

“Today’s commissioning represents hope and Government’s commitment to inclusive rural development.”