- Standoff Alert: Viria villagers defy new water billing rules, insisting on a 2019 promise of free water.
- Legal Lockdown: Village chief Ratu Joseva Malobitu claims the free water deal is binding by law.
- Aging Lifeline: Over 100 households and two primary schools depend on a 41-year-old dam.
- Government vs. Community: Despite a tempting Free Water Allowance Scheme, locals demand more.
- Ongoing Showdown: The Water Authority of Fiji vows to keep negotiations on the table.
In the heart of Viria, Naitasiri, an escalating water dispute has captured the attention of the nation. Villagers are drawing a hard line, refusing to pay water bills as they stand by a controversial 2019 agreement struck with the FijiFirst government—a deal that promised free piped water in exchange for the use of their qoliqoli grounds.
A Binding Promise?
Ratu Joseva Malobitu, the revered Turaga na Vunivalu i Viria, is not mincing words. “The agreement was made for us to receive piped water for free. Now, the Government wants us to pay water bills, but we will not accept that,” he declared emphatically. For him and many others in the village, this isn’t just a policy debate—it’s a matter of legal and moral principle.
A Fragile Infrastructure
The community’s water lifeline comes from a 41-year-old dam, which serves over 100 households and even sustains two primary schools. As residents continue to rely on this aging structure, the promise of free water becomes even more critical in their eyes.
Government’s Counteroffer Falls Short
Last week, officials from the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) visited Viria, accompanied by former Land Transport Authority boss Naisa Tuinaceva. However, according to Ratu Joseva—who was notably absent from the meeting—the dialogue remains stalled, with promises of further discussions that have yet to materialise.
In a detailed statement released recently, WAF acknowledged the villagers’ strong expectations. During initial negotiations for the Viria Water Supply Project, the Vanua o Viria had explicitly requested free water, a demand that set the stage for today’s dispute. While WAF has pointed villagers toward the Government’s Free Water Allowance Scheme—which provides up to 92,500 liters of water per year for households earning less than F$30,000—the locals remain steadfast. They argue that this scheme falls woefully short of the broader commitment made to them nearly six years ago.
What’s Next in the Water Saga?
“We understand that this matter is of great importance to the community, and we assure them that their concerns are being taken seriously,” the WAF statement read. The Authority stressed that ongoing negotiations, steered by the ministry, are working to find a resolution that balances community needs with operational and financial realities.
As tensions simmer in Viria, the standoff highlights a broader challenge: how to honor old promises while navigating modern fiscal constraints. The coming days will be crucial as both sides work toward a solution that can bridge this growing divide.
Stay tuned as this high-stakes saga unfolds—a story where every drop counts, and the future of free water hangs in the balance.
