By Michele Comber | Program Manager
Dear Supporters,
Many regions in Fiji have limited natural water catchment and highly variable, rainfall and dry spells. Villages rely upon several different water sources by utilizing seasonal wells, boreholes, and rainwater collection. Water shortages are not uncommon in many areas, and may become critical during a six-month dry season, from May-October. Access to high quality sanitation services is often limited, particularly in rural regions.
Since 2011, GVI have been able to dramatically increase the overall water storage capacity in many villages across several districts in Fiji , which have included the Island of Moturiki part of the Lomaiviti Group.GVI are currently working with the District of Dawasamu located in the Tailevu province on the island of Viti Levu. In this area ground water is available throughout the year to some degree yet, water quality from these sources varies considerably as heavy rain and run off frequently render water sources undrinkable due to contamination. Without secure systems separated from the open ground water source, it is impossible to manage water quality on a month to month basis. This can result in more incidents of water related illness. The collection of rainwater is a safe and reliable way to source drinking water and through the funding of Rainwater Harvesting Systems and awareness programs, rainwater can be utilized as a long-term solution to water shortages. Better sanitation and hygiene practices can be reinforced through workshops and community education, and investing in sustainable, long term infrastructure programs.
Our Expanding Access to Fresh Water and Sanitation in Fiji is in line with UN SDG goal #6, clean water & sanitation Clean - Water scarcity, poor water quality and inadequate sanitation negatively impact food security, livelihood choices and educational opportunities for poor families across the world. Millions of people including children die every year from diseases associated with inadequate water supply, sanitation and hygiene. The two main areas GVI water project as have been focusing on are:
6.4 By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity.
6.6 Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management hygiene.
Since COVID 19 outbreak here in Dawasamu,Fiji staff have been supporting district nurses for Dawasamu and Sawakasa by spreading the word to local communities about government advice to help prevent the spread of Covid 19 and the importance of good WaSH practises . To support we worked with the two nurses on creating packs for local community health workers to use within their villages. This included flash cards, reporting documentation and emergency action plans. We then travelled around the 30 villages, keeping our distance, and spreading the word. We assisted our district nurse in Dawasamu and Sawasakas
We would like to thank all donors who have contributed to our “ Expanding Access to Fresh Water and Sanitation” in Fiji project and helping us to offer a solution to a safe and reliable way to source drinking water and awareness programs, rainwater can be utilized as a long-term solution to water shortages. Better sanitation and hygiene practices can be reinforced through workshops and community education, and investing in sustainable, long term infrastructure programs.
With Gratitude,
Dawasamu Water
By Michele Comber | Program Manager
By Michele Comber | Program Manager
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