Students of Naloto District School in Ba now have access to clean drinking water, following the commissioning of a new piped water system by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.

The project, funded through the Office of the Prime Minister’s Small Grants Scheme at a cost of $3,726.15, was implemented after the school raised a request for assistance.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Rabuka said access to safe water and sanitation was a fundamental human right, as recognised by the United Nations, and essential for health and wellbeing.

“With this new system in place, students no longer need to rely on stored water from tanks but can access clean, piped water directly from taps,” he said.

The community’s water needs became urgent when their original source was contaminated, prompting the Water Authority of Fiji to deliver water by truck to the school and nearby villages to maintain supply.

Speaking on behalf of the Tui Naloto, Ratu Jone Naqiri, the traditional herald expressed gratitude to the government for its support in securing a reliable water supply for future generations in Naloto.

Naloto District School currently serves 114 students from early childhood to primary levels.