The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) says the 2020-2021 National Budget is a positive and encouraging step forward for Fiji as the nation braces for the global economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement issued this afternoon, WAF chairman Bhavesh Kumar said the Government had presented a smart national budget to soften the impact and create the conditions for a strong recovery.
“What we can see in this budget is a number of very positive measures that will help Fiji build the necessary resilience to weather the economic downturn caused by COVID-19,” Mr Kumar said.
“We will continue providing water services to Fijians across the country and will not disconnect Fijians who are genuinely impacted by COVID-19 because at the end of the day, water is a key tool
in COVID-19 prevention.”
Apart from general increased funding which will allow WAF greater operational capacity in terms of water provision and wastewater treatment, an allocation of $3.5million has also been provided for rural water carting to communities in non-metered areas during periods of drought, water disruption and during the current recovery period from COVID-19 pandemic.
