Water thieves ‘will be taken to task’

January 24, 2010 10:22:38 AM

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Individuals found to be illegally accessing water from main water mains will be taken to task, villagers of Ucunivanua, Verata, Tailevu were told.

The comment was made by the Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama during a visit to the village last week.

Bainimarama was invited to witness first hand the problems faced by the villagers and discuss the challenges that impact their daily lives.

He noted that one of the main factors contributing to the water demand-supply gap is that pipes carrying fresh water are broken or individuals are out-sourcing water without Government’s knowledge.

One of the issues raised was the rate of soil erosion occurring along the Ucunivanua seaside brought about by high tide and rough waters.

Senior Technical Officer Public Works Jotame Mata explained that in 2002 the Department of Roads carried out construction works in the village by erecting walls, using rock armour or mini rock islands to cushion the impact of strong waves before washing ashore.

He said the construction of the buffer wall is intended to protect the village from washing away.

“Plans have been drawn by the Department of Roads to restore the loss of land that was washed away, but this will depend on the availability of funds,” Mata said.

Mata also said options are available to either implement the work in phases or in one haul.

Following the inspection of development projects in Ucunivanua, Commodore Bainimarama visited Kumi village.

Bainimarama said Government is trying to develop rural communities by providing them fresh water supply and basic amenities.

Villagers were also told of the major challenges currently faced by the Water Supply Department - that 60 percent of fresh water pumped daily by the water authority does not reach the public.

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