BUDGET TO ASSIST COMPLETION OF PROJECTS

The new 2017-2018 Budget allocated for Water Authority of Fiji of $306.9 million is $1.7m less compared to the last year’s Budget of $308.6 million.

But the chief executive officer Opetaia Ravai was pleased with the new Budget and was happy as WAF would be able to complete pending projects.

“I am very excited because we have an intensive programme; a lot of needs identified were reflected during the wide consultations that Government had conducted,” Mr Ravai said.

“We’ve had several discussions with Government and content now that the programs are going to be funded and be ready by August.

“There’s only about $9 million that has been rolled over for next year but there is still a month and a half

to go.

“We are hopeful and at the same time optimistic that a lot of these projects will be completed with a lot to be carried over to next year.

“In terms of the 2017-2018 budget, we are very excited about it and we know that the commitment by Government shows compassion for the people following the consultations.”

Mr Ravai highlighted that the Government before the Budget announcement had taken the public’s view by reaching out to them.

“The priorities are to continue with the upgrading of the old infrastructure and at the same time expanding them. In preference to urban centers there are waste water systems that need to be developed to support major infrastructural projects to get economic development turning.

“There are over $200 million projects that need to be implemented which include laying of new pipes, building new treatment plants and investing better systems.”