Solar-powered water system brings relief to Macuata settlement

The people of Nasealevu Settlement in Macuata have been praised for their resilience to climate change following the commissioning of a solar-powered groundwater supply system.

Representatives from the Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation, Rotary Pacific Water for Life Foundation, the European Union and VaiWai of Pleass Global Limited attended the commissioning of the project recently.

The settlement’s 37 households are no strangers to the harsh realities of water scarcity and prolonged droughts.

Nasealevu Settlement Water Committee president Vimlesh Deo said residents had relied on a stream-fed catchment and household wells for water over the past four decades.

“During the dry season, both the wells and stream dry up and there have been many months where we cry out to God to send us rain,” Mr Deo said.

“The other option available is requesting water cartage from the Water Authority of Fiji, but this takes time since we do not have a metered water system.”

While thanking the organisations for supporting an alternative water source powered by solar energy and connected to a borehole, Mr Deo said the system was only a short-term solution.

He explained that the solar-powered groundwater system would be most effective during sunny conditions.

“During this period, households will be able to get a few hours of water supply each day to carry out household chores,” he said.

“We cannot complain much or leave this place because our forefathers lived here and we want to carry on those memories.”

However, the committee has approached relevant authorities seeking assistance to connect electricity supply to ensure a more consistent water flow.

Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation director and trustee Manarusa Vanabale said the organisation had dedicated itself to social transformation and grassroots development since 2004.

“Over 22 years of philanthropy, we have seen firsthand that clean water is the absolute baseline for any form of development,” Ms Vanabale said.

“Without it, families suffer, children get sick, farming stops and communities cannot grow. But today, through the Inclusive Climate Action for Fiji project, we are completely rewriting that narrative.”

Ms Vanabale described the solar-powered groundwater system as a sustainable and forward-thinking solution.

By drilling a new borehole and harnessing renewable solar energy, the organisations aimed to ensure a consistent and cost-effective water supply.

“By implementing advanced flood-proof technology and distribution pipelines directly into households, this system guarantees that whether during extreme drought or severe weather, the water flowing into Nasealevu homes remains clean, safe and uninterrupted,” she said.

“The immediate impact here is profound: mothers will no longer have to struggle for household water, children will grow up healthy and this entire settlement now has a secure foundation to thrive and prosper.”