Govt Self-Help Project continues to thrive for Loqi settlers
YEARS of grappling with water issues and trekking long distances in order to find clean water sources will now come to an end for more than 90 Fijians.
This was after a $30,000 borehole water project was recently commissioned at the Loqi settlement in Nadi.
Longtime resident of Loqi Settlement, Adivika Cagimaira, shared that their hope for access to safe water was now fulfilled and that residents can build a better life for their children.
“This means everything to us. We have dreamt of this day for so long, and now its finally here. With clean water, we can build a better life for our children, one where they don’t have to worry about going thirsty or falling sick. Its a dream come true.”
“Before we used to walk to the creek to wash our clothes, the creek is really far away and the road to the creek is also not good so we had to use the horse to carry heavy loads.”
Ms Cagimaira shared the difficulties they faced at the settlement, stating that during dry season it was harder to find water as creeks dried up in their area.
“My husband and I used to go to town, find bottles and containers, fill it with water and bring it back for drinking.”
The 46-year-old shared that with access to clean water, residents can now focus on improving their quality of life without the constant worry of waterborne illnesses or the burden of long journeys to fetch water.
Sharing similar sentiments, 57-year-old Tevita Mociu, thanked the Government for their support and shared that they have been waiting for a long time for this project.
“I would like to thank the Government for the big help for this project which will supply us with water since water is very important for our livelihood.”
“We live in the interior and have had to resort to other ways to survive without water.”
The lack of proper water supply has hindered the community’s farming efforts.
“We survive on root crops and our main source of income is sugarcane farming.”
Mr Mociu shared that there are 16 households right now with water, however, there are other houses and settlements in the area in need of proper water supply.
He stressed that the impact of this development will help generations to come.
The project comes under the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development self-help program (SHP) as it will boost their agricultural productivity and will enhance their livelihood in many ways.
The SHP project under the Government empowers rural and maritime Fijian dwellers and communities through the provision of income-generating opportunities, as well as the construction of basic amenities.