Four boreholes commissioned in the Sigatoka Valley to benefit 282 villagers

Today is a day to celebrate for 282 villagers from Narata Village, Saoni AOG, Qwali Settlement and Rukruku District School after the opening of Water Boreholes in Sigatoka.

While officiating at the Water Borehole Commissioning at Rukurku District School, Permanent Secretary for Lands and Mineral Resources, Malakai Finau highlighted that the it is a milestone achievement to commission four boreholes today, in Narata Village, Qwali Settlement, Saoni AOG in Sigatoka and at Rukuruku District School.

Finau adds that as of today, 50 boreholes have been drilled along the Sigatoka Valley, mainly for agriculture and water supply purposes.

He says that the water borehole at Rukuruku District School in Rararua Village in Sigatoka was drilled in 2015 and the reticulation works were completed between July and August 2017 and finally the villages can benefit from it now.

Finau says that the $69,500 project will certainly make improvements to the livelihoods in the community as in the past, water was fetched from nearby creeks, which was not safe for consuming.

Finau has also urged the villagers that ground water should be used prudently and should not be used as ultimate water source to solve all water problems; and should be protected from any kind of activity and from any source of contamination.

He also stressed to the villagers to adhere strictly to the recommended pumping rate and pump durations and failure to comply with this could lead to unsustainable yield and a possible degradation in water quality.