10 Moturiki Villages Will Finally Access Clean, Drinking Water
The long time plea of 10 villages on Moturiki Island in the Lomaiviti Group to access clean and safe drinking water is finally being realised.
Minister for Infrastructure, Meteorological Services, Lands and Mineral Resources, Jone Usamate, said the close to $3.2million Moturiki Rural Water project was nearing completion.
On Tuesday, he toured the island to inspect and be updated on the project that will be completed in a few weeks.
The project entails a water supply serviced from gravity water supply system sourced from its neighbouring island Ovalau.
Pipes run through the sea connecting the water supply from the newly built Dam on Ovalau to Moturiki Island.
Nasesara Village headman Livai Sauloki, said for many years the island had issues with a proper water supply for the 10 villages.
“Clean drinking water has always been an issue in Moturiki. We would use a creek, a pond or a well as our source of water over the years,” he said.
“When Government approached us for the project we were so happy to work with them to bring it to fruition.”
It started from the building of the dam in Ovalau, it was not an easy task but they did it.”
They started connecting pipes that went through the ocean into Moturiki island
It was a mamoth task they were committed to finish with Government to ensure their water woes were worries of the past. Everything worked fine.
Mr Sauloki acknowledged the government’s support and for making their dream reality.
He said the development has been a long time coming but we are so thankful that our pleas have not fallen on deaf ears.
“I sincerely thank the Prime Minister, the minister responsible and all government departments for ensuring we are not forgotten and left behind.”
Minister Usamate
Speaking about the project, Mr Usamate said the investment made by the Government on this project was a substantial one.
“The water pipes have gone under the sea from Ovalau across to Moturiki,” Mr Usamate said.
“It will just be a matter of a few more weeks that the water will be in reservoirs and will be fed into the different villages in Moturiki. I am glad to see that stand pipes have been erected in villages.”
He acknowledged the people of Moturiki who gave their time to provide labour for the project.
“They have given their labour. It is part of our commitment to supply clean and safe water in all islands in Fiji,” Mr Usamate said.
“They had to dig the trenches and take all materials up the hill, so it was a partnership, my hats off and appreciation to the people of Moturiki.”