Chief Policy Advisor to government and Economist, Dr Neelesh Gounder revealed that over 160 thousand Fijians in rural communities, do not have access to safe and clean drinking water. 

In a recent ‘Saqamoli Talk’ on the future of Fiji’s water sector, organised by the Water Authority of Fiji and hosted by the British High Commission in Suva – stakeholders discussed ways to address the on-going water and sanitation issues. 

Dr Gounder believes there is a lack of strategic approach to delivering water and sanitation services to rural communities. 

This was also revealed in the Water Sector Strategy 2050.  

He said access to safe and clean water in the rural communities will be included in the National Development Plan. 

“Water is regarded an international fundamental right and we are failing to do that for a large number of people in rural communities,” he said.  

A 2050 master plan for rural water and sanitation is being prepared and will be funded by UNICEF.