OVER the past five years, $1.12 billion has been allocated to the Water Authority of Fiji, says Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad.
He said this during WAF’s Water Sector Strategy 2050 ideation workshop at Holiday Inn yesterday.
Prof Prasad said of the sum, $421.7 million was for operating expenditure while $705.1 million was used for capital expenditure.
“The majority of the funds has been going towards the construction of the Viria project, which is expected to be completed soon,” he said.
“In fact, in the 2022-23 budget, of the $204.3 million, $89.2 million was for operating and $115 million was for capital expenditure, of which $60.3 million was for the Viria project.
“I know this project is designed to augment the vital infrastructure and services, which is again vital for supporting growth and sustainable development in the greater Suva-Nausori area.
“And I hope that when it’s completed in May, 2023, it will resolve and aid and support development within the Suva-Nausori area.”
He said the project also included the construction of a 40 mega litre per day water treatment plant in the first phase.
“Necessary provision is kept for increasing the capacity in the future of up to 80MLD or mega litre per day based on the demand.”
Prof Prasad urged WAF to streamline its services and increase operational efficiency while also reducing cost.
“Enhancement of asset management systems and processes and finally exploring adaptation strategies for building a climate-resilient water and wastewater utility.
“At the moment, we’re told that around $25 million is spent on electricity costs and more than $25 million on staffing costs.
“This is more than 50 per cent of the operating budget of the authority. My view is, it needs careful scrutiny and efficiency needs to be put in place to reduce the cost and improving the services without it being affected.
“The Government is determined to put in place necessary measures to address this longstanding water and wastewater challenges.
“Addressing existing and future challenges of Fiji’s water sector will require a long-term plan and concerted effort by government, the private sector, development partners and other government agencies to drive these efforts.
We believe on a positive note that we will achieve long-term water security if we put all these things into place.”
