Villagers of Sautabu in Nadroga have access to regular supply of water and 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 Sautabu and its nearby villages and settlements. 

The people of Sautabu village, in Nadroga celebrated the handing-over ceremony for provision of a complete water supply facility including two 10,000 litres water tanks and pipe works, worth F$20,589.00.

The First Secretary at the Embassy of Japan, Mr. Takato Maki was represent the Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Fiji, His Excellency Yutaka Yoshizawa at Sautabu village in Nadroga on Friday, 8th April, 2011 at 11.30 a.m. to officially hand-over the new water facilities.

Sautabu Village is located some 40 minutes drive away from Sigatoka town and has a population of approximately 200 people. The villagers are mostly subsistence farmers and have no fixed source of income. The present water supply system at the village did not have storage capacity to meet the consumption needs of the village and therefore, the new water supply system will ensure regular supply for daily water needs in the village and also encourage hygiene life style.

HFHF has managed the project, which included construction of base and installation of water tanks, trenching and lay of pipes for approximately 2 kilometres away from the village and repair taps and leakages in the village.

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.