Rural water committee training, conducted to ensure that villages take ownership of water resources

It is crucial to empower local communities to take ownership of their water resources, ensuring every village has access to clean, safe and sustainable water.

Minister for Public Works, Ro Filipe Tuisawau highlighted this while officiating the three-day Rural Water Committee Training Workshop at Nayavu Village, Wainibuka, in the province of Tailevu.

Ro Filipe says water is essential for life, it sustains people, nourishes their crops, and keeps communities healthy, and managing this resource requires knowledge, dedication, and a shared sense of responsibility.

He says the workshop is being conducted in partnership with UNICEF, the Department of Water and Sewerage, the Water Authority of Fiji and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services for their coordination and facilitation efforts.

The Minister says they aim to equip the rural water committees with the knowledge and skills needed to manage water systems effectively, maintain water quality, and ensure the long-term sustainability of water.

He stresses that after the workshop participants will learn how to monitor water systems, conduct repairs, and ensure that the water reaching households is safe for consumption.

He adds the Fiji Water Sector Strategy 2050 includes all the necessary components and aims to ensure that these needs are integrated into the annual budget.