WAF injects $5m on Suva repairs

The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) has injected $5million for repairing and improving of the sewer system in Suva.

With works to kick start later this year, statement said WAF is currently investigating to identify the defects of the City gravity sewer systems.

WAF Acting Engineer Sewerage Filipe Batiwale said their team has completed 60 per cent of work and slow progress is due to the fact that their team can carry out inspection work only in the night and at low tide hours.

“We have also called an Expression of Interest from companies to carry out Sewer Relining or Rehabilitation works where they can advise us on the methodology of rehabilitation works, cost, time line, Budgets, Machines etc. “

He said their expertise will assist WAF on selecting the type of methodology to use based on an economical design.

“Definitely upgrade work will start this year with routine repair works i.e. excavation and relaying of mains starting at Greig St, Suva, an area that needs a lot of attention in terms of repair and replacement work,” he said.

In addition, old sewers have developed cracks that allowed discharge of untreated sewerage in the city and filtration of sea water into sewers creating environmental and health problems.

The existing sewerage system in the city was constructed in 1940 and since then, population growth and addition of new infrastructures in the city area has led to the ageing of water and sewerage assets which resulted in overflows from the manholes, pumping stations etc.
 
 By Ropate Valemei