Most rural Fijians still lack safe, reliable water: UNICEF expert

Seven out of 10 rural households in Fiji do not have access to clean, safe water that is available when needed.

This was highlighted by UNICEF (United Nations International Children Emergency Fund) Pacific’s Chief of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Kencho Namgyal yesterday.

Mr Namgyal said only 30 per cent of rural homes have water that meets basic standards.

"Almost 60 to 70 per cent do not have access to water that is accessible on the premise, water that is free from contamination, water that is available and needed,” he said.

He was responding to questions about Fiji’s first multidimensional child poverty report, which showed 40 per cent of children nationwide face water deprivation.

Mr Namgyal explained that while 95 per cent of Fijians have access to a basic water source like rainwater tanks or wells, the real challenge is water quality and availability.

“Only 50 per cent of households nationwide have access to water that is adequate in quantity,” he said.

“When you look at the safety of water, free from contamination, that number still drops down.”

The deprivation is most severe in rural areas, remote locations and outer islands, where children lack the same standard of services as those in urban centres.

Mr Namgyal said the Government is working to address the gap through a rural water, sanitation and hygiene master plan validated two weeks ago.

The plan outlines investment needed to reach every household with clean water by 2030, in line with sustainable development goals.

“Government is ready to take the lead on that,” he said, adding the plan also covers operation and maintenance costs through to 2050.

Feedback: kaneta.naimatau@fijisun.com.fj