Residents Demand Permanent Water Fix

Residents of Tamavua and Namadi are calling for a per­manent solution to persis­tent water supply issues that have plagued the area.

Despite frequent heavy rains, wa­ter cuts remain a constant frustra­tion for locals, with the latest out­age occurring last Saturday.

Many residents complain about receiving the same explanations from the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF), citing either low water lev­els or dirty water as the cause.

Epeli Rabua, a long-time resident, expressed his concerns:

"This never used to happen 15 years ago, but now we sometimes go without water for nearly two weeks," Mr Rabua said.

"Even with continuous rain, they tell us the water level is low or the water is dirty. It's already 2025, and nothing has changed."

He added that the water crisis of­ten disrupts daily life.

"Sometimes, I go to work late or even call in absent because search­ing for water is such a hassle.

"Families in elevated areas spend extra on water tanks and pumps, which is costly, especially for larger households. How long are we ex­pected to live like this?"

Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said the com­munity had reluctantly adapted to the issue. However, frustrations remain, particularly when water carts arrive late or fail to meet the needs of all households.

A glimmer of hope

In response to the ongoing chal­lenges, Minister for Public Works, Transport, and Meteorological Ser­vices Ro Filipe Tuisawau highlight­ed ongoing infrastructure projects aimed at resolving these issues.

The Suva-Nausori corridor cur­rently demands 173 million litres of water daily, exceeding supply capacity.

The $40 million Viria Water Treat­ment Plant, set to provide an additional 40 million litres per day, aims to address the shortfall and support future population growth.

Additionally, the Princes Road Water Infrastructure Project promÂises significant improvements for elevated areas, including Tamavua, Tacirua, and Khalsa Road.

The project will replace the exist­ing pumping system with a gravityfed system, improving resilience during high turbidity events.

Key components of the project include:

■ A 1.43km gravity pipeline from Sawani Junction to Buresasa Pump Station;

■ A 5.72km rising main pipeline to Colo-i-Suva Reservoir;

■ Two steel tank reservoirs at Colo-i-Suva, each holding 5 million litres; and

■ A 4.58km gravity pipeline from Colo-i-Suva to Khalsa Road Junc­tion.

Residents hope these develop­ments will finally put an end to years of unreliable water supply.

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