VILLAGERS of Nautovatu on Cikobia Island in Macuata have access to proper piped water following the installation of a water tank and piping system last month.
The villagers have for the past 40 years carted water from a nearby spring and sometimes resorted to rain and seawater to bathe, cook and drink.
Villager Apaitia Cagituevei said they initially had a borehole which failed to provide a wholesome water supply for the 18 households in the village.
"The borehole generator was too small and old to cater for the whole village which led us to cart water using buckets, kegs and bottles from the spring," Mr Cagituevei said.
"This was the practice over the years because the generator was not fit to be used. We asked the authorities for assistance and it's really good that the Water Authority Fiji (WAF) installed a water tank and piping systems."
WAF spokeswoman Kelera Serelini said the initiative was part of their rural water rehabilitation program.
"Our team visited the island last month to carry out the project with the assistance of the commissioner's office.
"A new generator and piping system have been installed and the villagers now have a proper water supply," she said.
Provincial administrator Macuata Josefa Rokonai confirmed they funded the project early this year.
"We received numerous complaints from the villagers which prompted us to assist them with the project," he said, adding the project cost $24,103.