Long wait ends
Vosarogo commissions $295k borehole project
THE past 40 years of having no proper water supply has ended for 340 people of two settlements in Macuata.
Villagers of Qelemumu and residents of Raranikawai settlement, outside Labasa Town, could now save on phone bills as frequent pleas made to the Water Authority of Fiji to cart water to their areas have ended.
On Friday, Minister for Mineral Resources Filimoni Vosarogo commissioned the $295,000 borehole project that is expected to also benefit students and teachers of Qelemumu Primary School.
“These three communities have collectively experienced dire water crisis on an annual basis, especially during the dry season when surface water sources dry up and rainwater harvesting is obviously inadequate,” he said.
“This project is in line with one of the fundamental principles of your Government on water and sanitation for access to an efficient, cost-effective water supply that is equitable.
“In fact, in recognising that a fair share of the population, particularly in the rural areas and maritime regions still do not have access to a regular supply of potable water, a key initiative of your Government will be to ensure that these areas have access to clean and reliable water.”
Mr Vosarogo said as the minister responsible, he couldn’t be happier to be able to provide villagers with this basic and precious need.
He added that water was very important for preserving our health and maintaining good hygiene.
“Without a safe and consistent water source, the health security of community members are affected, which directly impacts their ability to contribute to socio-economic development and also affects the academic performances of children,” he said.
“It has been a busy two weeks for my team and me hitting the ground running following the conclusion of the general election and indeed it gives me great pleasure to be here to commission this groundwater project on behalf of the government.”