Twelve new reservoirs have been built around Fiji lately to cater for the growing demands of water needs in drought-prone areas around the country.
While responding to statement made by Opposition MP Viliame Gavoka on the regular maintenance of upgrading of water schemes in dry-prone areas, Infrastructure Minister Jone Usamate says water is a basic need and they will ensure all those in drought-prone areas have access to water during dry season.
The new reservoirs have been built in Tacirua, Toorak, Raralevu, Namau, Nawaicoba, Nadi Hospital, and Lalabalavu in the Western Division to name a few.
https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/150219SBUsamate5pm1-online-audio-converter.com_.mp3 “So all of these reservoirs have been developed as part of the strategies for drought mitigation.
We also have a big Programme on water carting, In the rural water carting schedule that is for all the drought-affected areas which include outer islands.” Usamate says the budgetary allocation has also been increased from $3million to $6million to ensure that all water projects are completed to meet the growing demands of Fijians.
He adds under the Rural Water Supply programmer, they have covered over 133 rural settlements and health facilities with 38 water projects currently underway in the Central Division which will benefit more than seven thousand people, 15 projects in the Eastern Division, 27 projects in the Western Division and 53 projects in place in the Northern Division.
Meanwhile, the ministry will also utilize $27 million to 30 more villages which will soon receive clean drinking water through the new Ecological Purification System.
https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/150219SBUsamate5pm2-online-audio-converter.com_.mp3 “We put our money where our mouth is, this includes 18 villages in the Central Division, 5 in the Eastern Division, 2 in the Western Division and 5 in the Northern Division.” Usamate says the ministry will continue to meet the needs of those that need a water supply and providing safe and clean drinking water will always be their priority.