• Close Proximity, No Water: Families living minutes away from the new treatment plant are still struggling to access treated water.
• From Reliance to Crisis: After the departure of a Chinese company’s supply, residents have been forced to resort to rainwater and neighboring sources.
• Landlord Logjam: Renters face bureaucratic hurdles as they’re told to seek overseas landlord approval for water connections.
• Official Explanation: The Water Authority of Fiji clarifies that household connections require a formal application process—leaving many in limbo.
In a baffling twist for Viria residents, the much-anticipated Viria Water Treatment Plant has failed to bring the promised relief. Despite the plant’s recent inauguration, many locals find themselves still grappling with water shortages—a crisis that only deepens their frustration.
Living on the Edge of Promises
Take the case of Merelisoni Suraki and her husband, whose home sits just a two-minute walk from the facility. “We moved here from Nadarivatu six years ago for work, yet there’s still no reliable water supply,” Ms. Suraki laments. Initially, they benefited from water provided by a Chinese company linked to their workplace. But when that supply abruptly ended a month ago, their situation turned dire. Today, the family is left to depend on rainwater or make the trek to nearby villages just to secure enough water for drinking and cooking.
A Struggle Shared by Many
The woes extend beyond the Suraki household. The Lal family, living a mere four minutes from the treatment plant, echo similar struggles. Bijay Lal explains the confusing process: “We were advised by the Water Authority of Fiji to contact our overseas landlord to grant water access. Yet, communication has proven to be a major hurdle.” As a result, the Lal family now relies on seasonal rainwater for drinking, while using river water for bathing and washing—hardships that no community should have to endure in modern times.
What’s Holding Back the Water?
A recent statement from the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) sheds some light on the situation. According to WAF, although the water supply infrastructure is in place and fully commissioned, individual household connections aren’t automatically activated. Residents must apply for a new meter connection at any WAF Customer Service Centre to have their technical and administrative requirements verified. Moreover, for tenants, formal approval from property owners is mandatory before any connection can proceed.
A Community in Limbo
As the residents of Viria continue to navigate these bureaucratic mazes and uncertain timelines, the promise of a reliable water supply remains unfulfilled. The disconnect between the plant’s operational status and the actual distribution of water has left many questioning when—or if—their long-awaited relief will finally come.
Stay tuned as Viria’s water crisis deepens and the community demands answers from those in charge. This story is far from over, and every day without a solution only adds to the growing sense of urgency.
