Water supply and sewerage remain among the major concerns raised by residents as Navua prepares to become Fiji’s 14th town.

While town status is expected to bring new opportunities and development, residents have highlighted that improvements to basic services must come first.

During a public consultation, Navua resident Kamal Narayan questioned whether existing infrastructure would be able to support future growth, especially with more commercial and industrial activity expected.

“Before is declared a town there is some issues that urgently needs to be rectified. One is water supply, Navua is know for its rains, water, rivers but in the tap the water is not coming”.

“Before we declare Navua a town I think these issues should be resolved ASAP” Narayan highlighted.

He also raised concerns about the lack of a proper sewer system and drainage infrastructure, asking how future development would be managed.

“Currently, we don’t have any wastewater system in Navua. Also, we don’t have any septic tank. And we, Navua has no drainage water. And how will we get septic tank and flow in the water?” he said.

Water Authority of Fiji Strategic Planner, Isireli Temo said work is already underway to improve Navua’s water system, with projects focused on increasing supply and strengthening water sources.

“We have some existing issues with the supply, especially with our 9 boreholes sites. In terms of resilience or capacity improvements in our system, we actually have three systems that we are working on at this time.”

Temo added that planning is also underway for a wastewater master plan to prepare Navua for future growth.

“In the matter of wastewater assistance, in the upcoming financial year, from our understanding, we have a consultancy type of service, so we are putting it up to the market, so that we can get the expertise to come in and draft us, formulate for us a wastewater master plan.”

As Navua moves closer to town status, residents hope improved water and sewer services will support the community’s future development.

BY: JOELI RAGONELIWA