PM keeps promise, ends village’s water woes
‘I thank the Government for thinking of us. Now we have clean water and our children will have nothing to worry about’
Villagers of Wailotua Naba Dua showed their gratitude to Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama after he commissioned their water project yesterday. The PM said this project was made possible through the Government’s Small Grant Scheme. Pictured are some of the women and children of Wailotua Naba Dua with Prime Minister Bainimarama (standing middle), after the commissioning of the water project on August 7, 2018.
Wailotua Naba Dua Village headman, Rusiate Rakubulou, cried as he described the hardship they faced over the years without a proper water supply.
The 62-year-old headman joined fellow villagers in celebrating the commissioning of their water project by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama yesterday.
“We have not had proper water supply as long as I can remember,” Mr Rakubulou said.
“Our women and children had to walk to Wairuarua Creek just to get drinking water when our tank and dam ran dry.
“When there is low water levels in the tank and dam we only open the tap in the morning and evening. “Now the tank is overflowing. Now instead of getting water from the creek, families can spend more quality time together.
“I thank the Government for thinking of us. Now we have clean water and our children will have nothing to worry about,” Mr Rakubulou added
Oldest woman in the village, Virisila Seinibulu, 75, was emo- tional as she described the hardship they faced when growing up.
“I can’t describe how thankful I am for being able to witness this today. I never thought that people of high position would think of us,” Ms Seinibulu said.
“The cries of the villagers have finally been heard and I am forever grateful to the Government of the day for hearing our cry. Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said he came to fulfill the promise he gave to villagers early this year.
“This project was made possible through our Small Grant Scheme. All requests for assistance run directly through my office, and because of this, I feel personally invested in their success,” Mr Bainimarama said.
“It brings me great joy to watch them quickly progress from an idea, to a promise, to a reality that improves the lives of our people. “The Small Grants Scheme was designed exactly for this purpose to fill the needs of our citizens, as requested directly by you.
“The lives of the Fijian people aren’t improved by watching from the sidelines, or even by creating new laws in Parliament.
“If our elected officials don’t take the time to hear out the concerns of ordinary Fijians, they lose touch with the reality of the needs of our people.”
Mr Bainimarama said politicians will use different tactics to get votes.
“This is what makes people so frustrated and tired with politicians; and trust me, I share these feelings,” he said.
“I’m surrounded by them every day. But while I am your Prime Minister, I am first and foremost a fellow Fijian, and I promise never to lose sight of that. And I encourage all candidates to follow suit.
“I know that this project is no different, and that the over $91,000 spent by Government to make it possible was money well-spent. “The once unreliable water supply to Wailotua Village will now be a worry of the past.
“A new dam intake, new 45,000-litre storage reservoir, and new pipes will all come together to ensure a clean and steady flow of water to the people of your community, making for a healthier and happier future for you and your families.”