MINISTER for Public Utilities Captain Timoci Natuva says water is important for investment attraction, economic growth, productivity, health, agriculture, energy generation and tourism.
"Government therefore, acknowledges the great contribution of NGOs, developing partners and individuals for assisting government in educating, maintaining and developing our people on the importance of water," Cap Natuva said.
"We need to ensure that water supply remains sustainable in the long run for the nation's wellbeing and for our future generation."
He said water was a commodity that was important to everyone and was a necessity of life whether people lived in the urban centres or in the rural areas.
"Though water is a necessity, it is a commodity that is finite and vulnerable to contamination," Cpt Natuva said.
"The local theme 'improving water accessibility and quality through sustainable partnership' is one way of getting our stakeholders and developing partners to work together in partnership and ensure accessibility and quality water supply to all Fijians," he said.
He said government resolved to move Fiji towards a water saving society, ensuring that water was available to all in the country.
"The proper use and saving of water in this generation will ensure that this resource will be sustainable and available to cater for the needs of our future generation."