Water woes a thing of the past
WE will no longer have to walk long distances to access water during dry season. These were the words Surma Wati, 52, of Naleba settlement in Macuata following the commissioning of their Water Pump Project by the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development, Inia Seruiratu. Ms Wati, who has been a resident at the area for more than three decades, said water issues had plagued their community for a long time, presenting difficulties for its members.
“Having to rely on a well for all these years, we have encountered a lot of difficulties especially during the dry spells,” she said.
“There were times when we had to walk for a few kilometres to get to the river, with our laundry and containers to store water.”
“There are times where we would go knock on the doors of our neighbours to ask for water, fortunately all this has changed for the better,” she added.
She said that having access to quality and reliable water supply in their homes was a life changing opportunity that they have yearned for.
“This is everything that we have been hoping for, water is a necessity and we are blessed to be presented with such an initiative which would put an end to all our water problems,” Ms Wati said.
“Today is one of the happiest days of my life, and I would like to thank the Government for assisting us with this much needed project.”
While officiating at the event, Minister Seruiratu highlighted that quality drinking water was a necessity for all Fijians regardless of geographical locations. He said women and children were most vulnerable when there was either poor water quality or a shortage of water, adding that this would be a thing of the past for Fijians in the area.
The project, which was funded through the Self-Help programme at a cost of $3,463, would benefit 20 families in the area.