The 265 residents of Visama Village, Nakelo, Tailevu, now have access to better water supply after the completion of water pipe replacement works in their area.
Visama Village headman Serupepeli Lomani, on behalf of his villagers, thanked Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) for the work done in his village.
“My fellow villagers are very thankful for your employees who have worked tirelessly in order to maintain good supply of water in our village,” he said.
“With the installation of our new water pipes it has helped to solve a lot of difficulties which we were facing for the past years.
“Our daily chores are carried out smoothly and, best of all, our students are able to be on time to school as well.
“I would like to thank WAF for the great work done in my village in the upgrading of our main pipe, which supplies one of the most important basic needs to all individual households in the village,” said Mr Lomani.
Over the years, the villagers faced water disruptions due to the old pipeline frequently bursting or leaking.
This disrupted farming, the common means of livelihood, as well as other daily activities in Visama.
To address this ongoing problem, WAF upgraded the old 50mm AC main to a DN 100mm PVC main line.
The $80,065 water project, which was carried out by 15 skilled workers from the WAF Construction Unit, involved the laying of approximately 320 metres of the pipeline as well as the installation of two fire hydrants.
WAF chief operating officer Samanmal Ekanayake said the authority would continue to implement works that ensured Fijians had access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation.
“The completed water project has improved conditions for the Visama Village residents because over the years they have been obtaining water from a system with an intermittent supply during peak hours,” said Mr Ekanayake.
He said the village now enjoyed a consistent supply of water that should withstand dry seasons, and an improved, water system performance.