The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) marked a transformative year in 2023/2024, extending the reach, reliability, and resilience of the nation’s water services under the leadership of the Coalition Government.
In a ministerial statement to Parliament, Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport Hon. Ro Filipe Tuisawau said the financial year saw major milestones in Fiji’s water sector, including the launch of the Water Sector Strategy 2050 — a 30-year roadmap aimed at achieving climate-resilient and sustainable water and wastewater management.
A centrepiece of the year’s achievements was the commissioning of the FJ$270 million (US$122 million) New Viria Water Treatment Plant — one of the largest facilities of its kind in the South Pacific. The project, part of the Rewa River Water Supply Scheme, adds 40 million litres of treated water per day, with capacity to expand to 80 million litres.
It now supplies clean and consistent water to more than 360,000 Fijians across the Suva–Nausori corridor, from Lami to Nausori — significantly improving reliability and reducing service disruptions for households and businesses alike. According to the Water Authority of Fiji website, the Viria project represents a major step towards long-term water security for the capital region.
Minister Tuisawau said the completion of the Viria project demonstrates the Government’s commitment to deliver on Fiji’s constitutional right to safe and clean water. “From the bustling urban centres to the most remote rural settlements, our mission remains the same — to deliver water that sustains life, health, and dignity,” he told Parliament.
Beyond the capital, WAF’s development programme has been equally ambitious. According to the Water Authority website, more than 31 kilometres of new pipelines were laid nationwide during the year, directly benefiting around 47,350 people. Among the rural initiatives was the Vusama and Navisabasaba Village Project in Nadroga — a FJ$3.4 million (US$1.5 million) investment providing first-time water access to 120 households. Ten other rural water schemes were also completed, bringing safe and reliable water to a further 2,905 residents in remote villages.
These efforts were part of a FJ$250.8 million (US$113 million) budget for the 2023/24 financial year — including FJ$132.7 million (US$60 million) in capital expenditure — focused on infrastructure upgrades, sanitation improvements, and expanded service coverage. For 2024/25, the WAF Corporate Plan shows a budget of FJ$259.4 million (US$117 million), with priority given to modernisation, rural expansion, and the implementation of the Water Sector Strategy 2050.
Fiji’s progress in water management has also earned international recognition. The Water Authority was honoured with the Climate Smart Utilities Award 2024 at the International Water Association’s World Water Congress in Canada — an accolade highlighting WAF’s leadership in sustainable and climate-resilient utility management.
However, despite these gains, challenges remain. Local media have reported that some residents living near the new Viria Plant still experience inconsistent water supply despite the project’s commissioning. A February 2025 report by The Fiji Times described how some families in nearby communities continue to rely on rainwater and relatives for drinking water, underscoring the need for continued investment in network connections and maintenance.
According to the Water Authority website, up to 47 per cent of treated water was being lost through leakage and ageing infrastructure. To address this, WAF has strengthened its asset management and maintenance systems and is implementing projects to reduce water loss and improve overall network efficiency.
As of 2024, WAF services more than 772,000 Fijians through approximately 154,000 water connections and 33,000 wastewater connections. Looking ahead, the Authority says its focus will remain on building climate-resilient infrastructure, upgrading rural systems, reducing non-revenue water, and modernising treatment and wastewater facilities in line with the Water Sector Strategy 2050.
Minister Tuisawau said these developments reflect a government unwavering in its commitment to ensure that every Fijian — from urban centres to rural villages — can turn on a tap and trust that clean, safe water will flow.
