WAF eyes more dams

September 17, 2012 | Filed under: Fiji News Posted by: newsroom
By FONUA TALEI

Plans are in the pipeline for the construction of new dams around the country to address water problems.

This was confirmed by the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) chief executive officer Opetaia Ravai yesterday during a press interview.

Mr Ravai said WAF has been extensively investigating disaster- prone regions like Nadi because a third flood for the Nadi Town would mean bigger problems.

He said Government was looking at alternative water sources with the construction of dams in the Nadroga/Naitasiri areas as long term plans.

“We are looking at stakeholders who are willing to assist us in achieving these plans, but this also involves electricity and as you know, here in Suva we depend on the Waimanu River pump, which is on low land and when electricity is down there is low pressure,” Mr Ravai said.

“We are also looking at getting five large standby generators so that when the next disaster hits we will be able to deliver normal water supply.”

Meanwhile, total rehabilitation works carried out by the authority during the floods of March 2012 was estimated at $11.9 million.

This covered the repair of damaged water intakes, dams, treatment plants, raw water mains, burst mains and the carting of water to affected schools and homes in flood-hit areas in the Western Division.