Salutations:
Dou sa ti’o:
A Yavusa Daviko; Turaga Tui Vuya;
Yavusa Raviravi; Turaga Buli Raviravi;
Honourable Cabinet Ministers;
Divisional Commissioners;
Dou sa ti’o a lewe ni Bose ni Yasana o Bua;
Invited Guests;
Respected Community Leaders and Members;
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Introduction
Ni sa bula vina’a and good morning to you all. I am very blad to stand before you today to open the new Nabouwalu Water Treatment Plant Project.
This is a significant milestone for the Province of Bua and represents a huge leap forward in the Coalition Government’s commitment to provide clean and safe drinking water to the people of Nabouwalu, and to demonstrate to the world out
National commitment to the various Targets set out as Sustainable Development Goals of the International Communities of the United Nations.
Water is essential in sustaining life, and without clean water, human beings cannot survive. This project was commissioned in 2022 by the previous administration and has now been completed under the term of the Coalition Government.
I always want to give credit to where it is due, so I acknowledge the work of the previous Government in initiating this vital project. With the commitment of the Coalition Government that I lead, we will steadfastly continue with the work of ensuring equitable and sustainable development of our beloved country. Project
Ladies and Gentlemen, an investment of $5.4 million was channelled towards the construction and successful completion of this project which entails a new 2 million-litre Packaged Water Treatment Plant and a 1 mega-litre Reservoir (264,172.052 gallons)
These facilities, along with the related pipe networks, electrical works, and backup generators are now fully operational. This project stands as a testament of our dedication to improving the quality of life for our citizens.
Project Impact
The impact of this project for villages and communities around Nabouwalu is substantial. It directly will provide clean and safe drinking water to around 3, 000 people.
Most of the key facilities such as the Nabouwalu Hospital and Health Centre, Nabouwalu Jetty, Nabouwalu Fire Station, Government Station and the Bua Provincial Council will benefit from this project.
Further, surrounding villages and settlements such as Nabouwalu Village, Namulomulo and Raviravi Settlements and the Vuya District School will also have access to clean water. It will play a pivotal role in supporting the future growth and development of the upcoming Nabouwalu Township which the Coalition Government is committed to completing.
Strategic Priority
Our new National Development Plan 2025-2029 and Vision 2050 outline the Coalition Government’s priority and unwavering
commitment to ensuring that every Fijian has access to clean water especially those in remote towns such as Nabouwalu.
The Coalition Government is not only prioritising the needs of Fijians residing in our urban towns and cities but is committed to ensuring equitable and sustainable development. As a responsible Government, we will ensure that every Fijian is provided equal footing to thrive.
The National Development Plan and Water Sector
Strategy 2050 provides strategic direction to government on how to ensure our sustainable water infrastructure caters for the needs of our communities today and the future.
Government Projects
This water treatment plant will complement our ongoing work in the development of the Nabouwalu Township. The development is currently at 50% completion for the terminal construction which is on track for completion in the first half of this year.
Last month I toured Vanua Levu with Fiji’s Ambassador to China and inspected the stretches of roads to be upgraded for the Vanua Levu Road Project. A total of $300m has been committed by the Chinese Government to fund road upgrades. One of the projects is the 15km road stretch from Nabouwalu to Nasolo.
These projects align with Government’s broader “Look North” initiative and Vanua Levu Tourism Development Plan in collaboration with the World Bank. There is huge potential in Vanua Levu and that is the very reason the Coalition Government is prioritising developments in the Northern Division.
As we enhance access to reliable water supply, we also create the foundational infrastructure required for the region’s growth—supporting industries, communities, and tourism hubs alike. This project reinforces our commitment to the sustainable and inclusive development of Vanua Levu.
On Monday, I officiated in the Opening of the Labasa Office of the Higher Education Commission of Fiji. I said at that functions that Vanua Levu and its three Provinces and Towns and Communities is getting some long awaited developments, that will truly and positively impact the people of the North and the Country.
Appreciation
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the landowners for their cooperation and generosity in allowing us to construct this much-needed Water Treatment Plant and Reservoir on their land. Your cooperation has been critical not just for the success of this project but, more so, for the stable growth and development of our nation as a whole. Goodwill from landowners like you ensures that
Fiji continues to progress sustainably, fostering a legacy of trust and collaboration that benefits all Fijians. Your contribution has laid a foundation for future growth, enabling us to turn this vision into reality.
I extend special thanks to the Executive Management and staff of the Water Authority of Fiji, especially those from the Nabouwalu Depot, who worked tirelessly to ensure the project was completed and operational. Your dedication and hard work has been crucial in achieving this milestone, and we deeply appreciate your commitment to excellence.
The successful completion of this project was made possible through the efforts of Caledonienne des Eaux (New Caledonia), SUEZ (France), Zion Civil Works Limited (Fiji) and Clyde Equipment (Fiji) Limited to whom certain parts of the project were outsourced. Their expertise and dedication have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life.
Conclusion
In concluding, the Nabouwalu Water Treatment Plant Project is a shining example of what we can achieve through collaboration, dedication, and forward-thinking investments. It is a symbol of progress and a beacon of hope for a brighter and healthier future for the people of Nabouwalu and Vanua Levu as a whole.
Vinaka vakalevu, dhanyavaad, and thank you. May God bless us all, and may God bless Fiji.