WAF backs compensation for consumers affected by unsafe water

The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF)has signalled support for legislative clauses that protect water catchments and establish accountability for water quality, including potential compensation for affected consumers.

WAF chief executive officer Seru Soderberg addressed the matter during the Standing Committee on Social Affairs regarding the Public Health (Amendment) Bill (Bill No 4 of 2026).

Committee member and Opposition Member of Parliament Praveen Bala raised past cases, including a water contamination incident in Ba, where residents became ill, but did not receive compensation.

Mr Soderberg stated that the WAF agrees with the principle of accountability regarding the quality of water provided to communities.

“We are in agreement that there has to be some form of compensation for the miscarriage of duties to those that are responsible for these catchments and water supply systems,” Mr Soderberg said.

The WAF also requested additional legal protections for water catchments within the Bill, asking for specific prohibitions on quarry excavation, sand extraction and land clearing near water sources.

The WAF relies primarily on public awareness campaigns to manage rural catchments, because it lacks the statutory enforcement powers that the new Bill aims to provide.