Aims to address rural water issues, says Nath

Ateam led by the Acting Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Osea Naiqamu and Assistant Minister, Vijay Nath toured the Western Division to attend to water issues. The team visited communities and discussed issues such as assessment for new water sources, upgrade of existing rural water system, new borehole projects, failed borehole projects, proposed water sources and awareness on Government water assistance. Mr Nath said arrangements were made through advisory counsellors where a number of communities experiencing water problems were identified. “We visited these communities and discussed water issues through face to face dialogue,” Mr Nath said.

“There were senior officers from key water stakeholders such as Water Authority of Fiji, Department of Water and Sewerage and Mineral Resources Department as part of the touring team.” Mr Nath said having these officers, the team was able to provide these communities with answers to their queries and also directed them to available Government water assistance. “Communities were advised about rain water harvest assistance available under the Water Authority of Fiji and also assistance through the Commissioner’s office. “The team also provided interested individuals with application forms for rain water harvest assistance.” Meanwhile, the team had a brief with the Commissioner Western Division’s team on the issues raised during the three day tour. Mr Nath said the tour was a success and it would be good to have similar tours in all the Divisions. He added that awareness of Government services is very important so that everyone particularly rural dwellers are informed and utilise it accordingly.

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