Water emergency funds already allocated in case of El Niño conditions: Tuisawau

The Government has already allocated funding and put mitigation measures in place to prepare for potential water shortages linked to El Niño conditions, Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau says.

Responding to concerns about whether a dedicated emergency budget existed for water crises, Ro Filipe said resources had already been set aside through the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) and relevant ministries, particularly for vulnerable maritime communities facing challenges due to limited shipping services.

He said Fiji's preparedness efforts were guided by the Water Plan 2050, a long-term strategy focused on strengthening water security through major infrastructure investments and coordinated planning across Government.

Ro Filipe highlighted ongoing upgrades, including the construction of new reservoirs and water treatment plants, as part of efforts to improve the country's resilience to drought and dry weather conditions associated with El Niño.

He said a whole-of-government approach was being implemented, involving multiple ministries, development partners and national agencies to strengthen water security, energy resilience and fuel supply management.

The minister said Government would continue weekly monitoring of water levels in collaboration with the Fiji Meteorological Service and development partners, including Japan.

He said satellite technology was being used for hydrological surveys and monitoring as part of ongoing water management efforts.

Ro Filipe said Government would also continue working closely with the Ministry of Finance and development partners to progressively implement the Water Plan 2050.

A special committee has been established to address water and road issues affecting Vaturu, Nagado and nearby villages within the next two to three months.

Long-term strategy

Concerns were raised about Fiji's readiness for severe water shortages linked to El Niño conditions, with references made to proactive measures adopted by other Pacific Island countries.

In response, Ro Filipe outlined WAF's 50-year strategy, which includes improving water sources, constructing new reservoirs and developing treatment plants expected to become operational early next year.

Mitigation plans also involve the National Disaster Management Office and the National Security Council, particularly in preparing for prolonged dry weather.

“The Government has promoted household water tanks to encourage self-sufficiency and backup water storage,” he said.

He said capital projects aimed at water mitigation and infrastructure upgrades were continuing through collaboration between ministries, development partners and the private sector.

Ro Filipe said the Water Plan 2050 was estimated to cost $8.7 billion and would be implemented in stages over several government terms.

Priority projects include the Tamavua infrastructure project and the Tamavua Water Treatment Compact Plant, both of which are currently underway.

International financing from the Asian Development Bank, European Union and World Bank is also supporting phased infrastructure upgrades, including efforts to reduce non-revenue water losses and improve wastewater treatment systems.