By Michele Comber | Program Manager
Dear Supporters,
Many regions in Fiji have limited natural water catchment and highly variable, rainfall and dry spells. Villages rely upon several different water sources by utilizing seasonal wells, boreholes, and rainwater collection. Water shortages are not uncommon in many areas, and may become critical during a six-month dry season, from May-October. Access to high quality sanitation services is often limited, particularly in rural regions.
Since 2011, we have been able to dramatically increase the overall water storage capacity in many villages across several districts in Fiji , which have included the Island of Moturiki part of the Lomaiviti Group. We are currently working with the District of Dawasamu located in the Tailevu province on the island of Viti Levu. In this area ground water is available throughout the year to some degree yet, water quality from these sources varies considerably as heavy rain and run off frequently render water sources undrinkable due to contamination. Without secure systems separated from the open ground water source, it is impossible to manage water quality on a month to month basis. This can result in more incidents of water related illness. The collection of rainwater is a safe and reliable way to source drinking water and through the funding of Rainwater Harvesting Systems and awareness programs, rainwater can be utilized as a long-term solution to water shortages. Better sanitation and hygiene practices can be reinforced through workshops and community education, and investing in sustainable, long term infrastructure programs.
In the last quarter we have installed five rainwater harvesting systems in the villages of, Naivoco, Delaiyadua, Matainananu and Nadogoloa in the district of Bureiwai , which gives the villages access to a total 50,000 litres of rain water which ensuring that the community members have enough water available for daily life . In total there are 638 community members who now have access to clean water in times when their natural water supply is dried up in the hot season or during heavy rains can be blocked with debris and until the weather improves community members are unable to fix the issues , resulting in the communities having no access to clean water for several days.
Through the funds raised we will be able to install these much-needed water security systems in more villages in the Dawasamu/ Bureiwai District.
Access to fresh water resources also directly influences sanitation standards and practices – we have helped to address this through conducting WaSH - Water, Sanitation and Hygiene workshops in the communities and schools of Bureiwai District 135 children and 87 adults attended these workshops.
We're Expanding Access to Fresh Water and Sanitation in Fiji is in line with UN SDG goal #6, clean water & sanitation Clean - Water scarcity, poor water quality and inadequate sanitation negatively impact food security, livelihood choices and educational opportunities for poor families across the world. Millions of people including children die every year from diseases associated with inadequate water supply, sanitation and hygiene. The two main areas our water project as have been focusing on are:
6.4 By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity.
6.6 Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management hygiene.
We would like to thank all donors who have contributed to our “ Expanding Access to Fresh Water and Sanitation” in Fiji project and helping us to offer a solution to safe and reliable way to source drinking water and awareness programs, rainwater can be utilized as a long-term solution to water shortages. Better sanitation and hygiene practices can be reinforced through workshops and community education, and investing in sustainable, long term infrastructure programs.
With Gratitude,
Dawasamu Water
By Michele Comber | Program Manager
By Michele Comber | Program Manager
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