Hundreds of people in Bua will benefit from improved access to water following the commissioning of two borehole projects at Dama District School, Lekutu Primary and Secondary Schools, and Votua Village.

The projects, funded through the Fiji–Australia Vuvale Partnership, are expected to provide a more reliable water supply for students, teachers, school staff and nearby communities.

The Dama District School Borehole Project was completed at an estimated cost of $230,000 and serves about 180 people, including students, staff and residents of seven staff quarters.

Meanwhile, the Lekutu Borehole Project, valued at more than $400,000, benefits around 350 students, teachers and family members at Lekutu Primary and Secondary Schools. It also provides water access for 64 households in Votua Village, with a population of approximately 255 people.

The projects were officially commissioned by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka yesterday.

During the commissioning, Mr Rabuka acknowledged the Australian Government’s support in delivering essential infrastructure to rural communities.

He also urged school management, village leaders and beneficiaries to take responsibility for maintaining the facilities, reporting faults promptly and protecting the surrounding environment.

Water quality testing identified groundwater challenges at the sites, prompting the Mineral Resources Department to install a specialised treatment system costing more than $200,000.

The system, procured from Australia, is reported to be the first of its kind in Fiji and uses specialised technology to address local geological conditions and improve water quality.

The successful delivery of the projects involved technical officers from the Mineral Resources Department, other Government agencies, contractors and project partners, who contributed to the planning, drilling, testing and installation work.

School management and villagers have expressed their appreciation to the Governments of Fiji and Australia and the project partners for making the improved water supply possible.