Narau families switch from creek to tap water

Residents of Narau Settlement, who for decades relied on a nearby creek for their daily water needs, now have access to safe and reliable drinking water.

This is after the commissioning of the Narau Water Project by the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Mosese Bulitavu.

For 66-year-old Linieta Dreka, a long-time resident, the project marks a major turning point.

“For many years, life was very hard. As mothers, we had to carry buckets of clothes down to the creek to wash, to bathe, and to fetch water for cooking and drinking,” she said.

Ms Dreka explained that the situation worsened over time as livestock farming increased upstream, contaminating the creek and making it unsafe.

“We later depended on a small water source, but the supply was never consistent. We are truly thankful to Government for this assistance. It will really improve our lives, especially for our children,” she said.

Completed at a cost of $34,000 under the Ministry’s High-Risk Water and Sanitation Programme, the Narau Water Project now provides 20 households with clean, safe, and reliable drinking water. The project improves daily living, hygiene, and health outcomes for the community.

Mr Bulitavu said access to clean water was fundamental to improving the quality of life in rural communities.

“Reliable water supply strengthens health, food security and saves valuable time for families, particularly women and children who often bear the burden of water collection,” he said.

He added that the project reflected the Government’s commitment to inclusive development.

“Today’s commissioning reflects Government’s firm commitment to reaching rural and remote communities and ensuring that no Fijian is left behind,” Mr Bulitavu said.