Rural water and sanitation policy launched

The government today launched its first ever water and sanitation policy to promote safe drinking water and proper sanitation in rural areas.

Speaking at the launch, Minister for Works, Transport and Public Utilities Colonel Timoci Natuva said the policy was drawn up to  somewhat reduce the disparity that exists between urban and rural drinking water.

“It seems acceptable for rural people to drink bacterial contaminated water but not acceptable under the urban drinking water standard,” said Col Natuva.

He said everyone in Fiji was entitled to consume the same quality water as a basic human right.

The policy was born out of a gap analysis by the ministry.

“The rural population was found to be lagging behind in terms of access to clean water and efficient sewerage services,” he said.

Natuva said the government will also be reviewing existing water laws to streamline functions.

By Ropate Valemei