Villagers of Lawaki in Tailevu now have continuous access to safe drinking water thanks to the Government of Japan and Habitat for Humanity Fiji. The Government of Japan granted financial assistance for village water supply Project in Fiji under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Programme. The new project was made possible through a request made by Habitat for Humanity Fiji (HFHF), through their Community Water Project service, in the hope to end water crisis in Lawaki and its nearby villages and settlements. 

The people of Lawaki village, Lawaki District School, Delaikuku village, Veicorocoro Settlement, Vunivesi Settlement and Tabuqau settlement in Sawakasa, Tailevu celebrated the handing-over ceremony for provision of a complete water supply facility including construction of dam, two 5,000 litres water tanks and pipe works, worth F$40,778.00.

The Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of the Fiji Islands, His Excellency Yutaka Yoshizawa was at Lawaki village in Sawakasa, Tailevu on Wednesday, 19th January, 2011 at 10.00 a.m. to officially hand-over the new water facilities.

Lawaki Village is located some 22 kilometres away from Korovou town and has a population of approximately 390 people. The villagers are mostly subsistence farmers and have no fixed source of income. The village’s water supply system was established in 1962 and over the years, due to climate change, the village has undertaken 5 water projects all of which has been experiencing water shortage during dry weather.

HFHF has managed the project, which included construction of a dam at a new water source located approximately 3 kilometres away from the village. This new system will ensure regular water supply for approximately 390 people’s daily consumption. In addition, the project will bring development hygienically, through provision of better toilet and shower facilities, and basic improvement in the livelihood of the villagers. The two new 5,000 litre plastic water tanks will supplement the storage capacity of the existing water tank to relieve pressure and ensure adequate supply of water for daily needs at all times.

Japan’s assistance to this project indicates its commitment to contribute to the improvement of the living standards and welfare of people in Fiji and is in line with its Official Development Assistance (ODA) policy of promoting development at the grassroots level.  The GGP programme is specifically designed to address basic human needs, which include water supply, health, basic education, vocational training and rural infrastructure. It is hoped that this assistance will help further strengthen the friendly ties between the people of Fiji and Japan.