Foreign expertise can prevent Fiji's water shortage
Mar 15, 2005, 14:45

Fiji can learn a lot from India’s water management and conservation practises says Fiji’s High Commissioner to India, Luke Rokovada.

Speaking at a National Seminar based on ‘International Integration and Growth Society ’ in New Delhi, Mr Rokovada highlighted despite coming from a country in the South Pacific that had sufficient supply of water through out the year, it still suffers from water shortages.

“My country has an abundance of rainfall and yet there is chronic and persistent water shortages experienced all over the Islands,” he said.

The High Commissioner further acknowledged the water conservation methods under taken by the Government of India in assisting areas around the country that are prone to dry spells.

“We can definitely learn from India’s water management and conservation practises and techniques including rain water harvesting and ensure a life giving resource such as water is properly conserved and managed in Fiji,” Mr Rokovada added.

Rain harvesting can be done from the following surfaces: such as rooftops, if buildings with impervious roofs are already in place, the catchment area is effectively available free of charge and they provide a supply at the point of consumption.

Other areas include paved and unpaved areas; such as landscapes, open fields, water bodies; such as lakes and storm water drains.

Mr Rokovada said that apart from learning water conservation methods, India has assisted Fiji in a number of ways ranging from the provision of technical expertise to Fiji’s Sugar Industry, the ITC sector to Aquaculture.

“I would like to acknowledge, with a great deal of gratitude, the extremely positive response the Fiji High Commission has received from the Indian Government, who have been willing to provide assistance as well as advice and cooperation towards Fiji’s economic and social development.”

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