Help Fund a School to Access Clean Water in Kenya

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 common in many areas, and may become critical during a six-month dry season, from May-October. In rural regions there is a lack of access to safe water and sanitation and a need for concentrated efforts for managing water variability to achieve water solutions to meet human, commercial and agricultural needs.  

Since 2011, GVI have been able to dramatically increase the overall water storage capacity in many villages across several districts in Fiji, including the Island of Moturiki located in the province of Lomaiviti and the District of Dawasamu located in the Tailevu province on the island of Viti Levu. In Dawasamu, 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 increase of 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 GVI have started work with a new district, The District of Bureiwai which consists of four villages with a combined population 789 . So far GVI have installed two rainwater harvesting systems in the village of Maintananau ,with the remaining three villages planned for 2020, but there are still many more villages that require new systems and water infrastructure improvements to ensure that there is enough water available for daily life. Through the funds raised we will be able to install these much-needed water security systems. Access to freshwater resources also directly influences sanitation standards and practices – we help to address this through conducting WaSH - Water, Sanitation and Hygiene workshops in local communities and schools.

GVI ‘s Expanding Access to Fresh Water and Sanitation in Fiji aligns 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. 

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