Women’s participation in groundwater project in Lomawai acknowledged
Section 36 of the 2013 Constitution guarantees the right of every Fijian to clean and safe water in adequate quantities. This was highlighted by Minister for Land and Mineral Resources, Infrastructure and Meteorological Services, Jone Usamate, when he commissioned Savusavu-Lailai Settlement Groundwater Project in Lomawai, Nadroga.
The settlement has 28 households with a total population of 138 Fijians, situated in one of the driest parts of Viti Levu, which has experienced critical water shortages annually for most of the year. While commissioning the project, Mr Usamate told the community that they can be relieved during the dry season due to the availability of a reliable water source.
“Your community has experienced critical water shortages annually, especially during the dry season when surface water sources dry up, and rainwater harvesting is inadequate,” he said. “Government commits a significant budget to the carting of water on an annual basis.
“This project, which cost the Government $137,000, brings the assurance to an improved and reliable supply of quality water.
Women’s participation
“I also wish to acknowledge the engagement and participation of your womenfolk in bringing this project to reality.
“The participation of women in meetings and during the consultations exercise has enabled their
representation in the Water Committee given that women are the highest users of water and are the most impacted should the water supply system fail.”
The minister also cautioned the community, stressing that groundwater is a critical resource and that they must play their part to ensure the preservation and sustainable extraction of this resource.
“From today, the responsibility of monitoring, maintaining, managing, and protecting the groundwater resource and the water supply infrastructure, belongs to
Savusavu-Lailai Settlement,” he said.
“Please support your water committees in any scheduled maintenance activities and fundraising drives as this will ensure that access to water is not disrupted and the scheme is sustainable.”
Since the beginning of this groundwater reticulation programme in 2015 by the Mineral Resources Department, more than 6000 people have directly benefitted around the country.