“We do not support the idea of free water to be supplied to everyone.”
This is the response of Water Authority of Fiji CEO Opetaia Ravai to I-Taukei Land Trust Board General Manager Alipate Qetaki when questioned about free water during the 20 year Master Plan workshop.
Ravai said that there could be a means tested arrangement for families but not for everyone in Fiji to have free water.
Ravai said WAF could either offer that proposal or they will supply fifty litres of water per individual in a day for free and anything above that has to be paid.
Ravai stressed that this is again only for those that are poor.
He also said it is not an option to consider free water for commercial and business purposes because people will just waste water once they know it is free.
Ravai added that industries should pay premium rates to subsidise the rates of the low income earners.
During a campaign meeting at Davuilevu Methodist Primary School, FijiFirst party leader Voreqe Bainimarama revealed that plans are being explored to make water free for all homes in the country.
He had also said that costs are now being worked out to see if the government can provide free water.
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