Water project brings relief to Nawai residents

Nawai women are stepping into community leadership to solve basic service gaps, through a multi-ethnic project tackling rural water shortages.

Nawai Water Borehole Project trustee Asweeni Goundar was among 84 community representatives who received grants at the grant disbursement ceremony at the Girmit Centre in Lautoka yesterday.

The project, funded by Government supports seven families in Nawai, Nadi; it aims to address the community’s long-standing water shortage.

Ms Goundar said families had struggled for years, relying mainly on well water, which often dries up during the dry season.

“Our project includes seven families, both iTaukei and Indo-Fijian, and for years we have been depending on well water,” she said.

“During the hot season, the well dries up, and some families are forced to fetch water from a small creek in the neighbourhood.”

She said the community came together discussed the problem and applied for the government grant as solution.

Nawai Water Borehole Project trustee Asweeni Goundar, with the Minister for Public Enterprises, Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts Charan Jeath Singh, at the grant disbursement ceremony in Lautoka on March 5, 2026.

Photo: Katherine Naidu

The Government gave $9000 for the project, although the total cost exceeded that amount.

“We will collect the remaining funds to do the piping and, together with this grant from the Government, install a borehole,” she said.

“As a woman, I believe it is time for women to step out of their comfort zones and take the lead in our communities.”

“Times have changed, and women must also contribute to society. As women, we can do things and move mountains,” she said.

Minister for Public Enterprises, Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts Charan Jeath Singh said such programme strengthened communities nationwide.

“These initiatives strengthen community participation, social cohesion, and national unity,” Mr Singh said.

“The ministry will shortly roll out disbursements in the Northern and Central divisions.

“We are working to move fast so communities can commence work at their designated sites and procure essential items, including goods intended for their organisations.”

This event marked the first round of grant disbursements from the ministry for the 2025–2026 financial year.

The more than 1000 applications this year, highlighted the growing demand for community development support across the country.