The construction of a new 40 mega litre treatment plant in Viria, Rewa is expected to start by the end of this year.

This is a major project for the Water Authority of Fiji which was announced in this year’s National Budget and is designed to support sustainable growth and development in the Greater Suva Area by increasing water supply capacity by 29% and waste water treatment capacity by 164%.

$30.6 million was allocated for the Urban Water Supply and Waste Water Management Project in the 2017/2018 National Budget.

According to the Water Authority of Fiji, due to the immense scope of development, the two phased multi million-dollar project will be co-financed by the Asian Development Bank, European Investment Bank as well as the Fijian government.

Meanwhile, $27.3 million was allocated for the Rural Water Supply Programme for the current financial year aimed to provide safe drinking water to 36,548 Fijians in over 178 villages, settlements and schools.

Looking at some of the projects - 170 villagers of Vuci Village in Tokatoka, Tailevu, now have access to better water supply after the completion of the hydraulic mains improvement works in the area.

The $244,113 water project saw the installation of an approximately 412metre‑long pipe to better serve the village.

One hundred and sixty‑eight villagers of Natadradave Village in Dawasamu, Tailevu, now have access to piped drinking water after the completion of their Rural Water Project.

The $212,765 water project included the construction of a new dam, the laying of a two‑inch diameter main from the reservoir to the village, and the construction of a 10,000 gallon ferro‑cement water tank.

The water project has improved conditions for the villagers, as over the years, they have been drinking water from a system that has had an intermittent supply of water.

One hundred and twenty villagers of Malabe Village in Wainibuka, Tailevu, now have access to piped drinking water after the completion of their $100,000 worth Rural Water Project.

Also, one hundred and thirty‑nine households of the Waidradra and Nadranu Settlements in Ba now have access to piped drinking water after the completion of their $189,000 worth water project.

The project included the laying of 305 lengths of galvanized pipes, the repair of the existing dam wall, as well as the construction of a 45,460‑litre ferro‑cement water tank.

The villagers used to fetch water from the river and the people of Nadranu used to fetch water from a borehole, which is located very far away from their houses.