Over the last 10 years, the FIJI Water Foundation has spent more than $17 million on a wide range of projects nationwide.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said this as he commissioned the $140m expansion of the Yaqara facility yesterday.

“From providing school backpacks for children, new wells for drinking water, community grants to local organisations, and major donations that helped fund new toilets at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital’s Maternity and Children’s Wards – their business success is closely linked with their community outreach,” he said.

The PM said the Foundation has also supported a number of efforts aimed at strengthening local infrastructure across Naiyalayala.

“In collaboration with the village water committees, it has supported the ongoing maintenance of clean water sources to the villages of Naseyani, Nananu, Rabulu, Togovere and Drauniivi.

“Community grants have also enhanced the secondary school library, rebuilt the bus shelter after Cyclone Yasa and funded one-on-one tutoring for the children of FIJI Water employees.”