Fiji Releases First Rural Water Survey to Guide Investment

Fiji has released its inaugural nationwide rural water mapping survey, a comprehensive database designed to direct future investments and enhance water and sanitation services across the country. Assistant Minister for Public Works Naisa Tuinaceva announced the National Rural Water Point Mapping Survey Report, which establishes Fiji's first national baseline for rural water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services.

This crucial data empowers the government and its development partners to make informed decisions regarding investments. The survey encompassed 1,600 rural communities and also complements existing WASH surveys conducted in 978 schools. Tuinaceva emphasized that the findings create a robust evidence base essential for future planning, investment strategies, and service delivery.

"Policy sets a clear direction for the efficient, equitable and sustainable management of Fiji’s water resources, while promoting universal access to safe drinking water, improved sanitation and hygiene services. It strengthens collaboration across sectors and provides a common framework for planning, implementation, monitoring and investment," Tuinaceva stated.

The survey data has already proven its worth, with development partners and government agencies utilizing it to support rural water and sanitation planning and infrastructure development. The Department of Water and Sewerage has officially released the dataset to improve information access, foster collaboration, and attract greater investment in the sector. This initiative aligns with the recently launched National Water Resources Management and Sanitation Policy and the Fiji Integrated Water Resources Management Plan, both aimed at guiding the sustainable management of Fiji’s freshwater resources over the next decade.

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Policy sets a clear direction for the efficient, equitable and sustainable management of Fiji’s water resources, while promoting universal access to safe drinking water, improved sanitation and hygiene services. It strengthens collaboration across sectors and provides a common framework for planning, implementation, monitoring and investment.