The Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources has officially commissioned a new $68,000 groundwater project at Naua Settlement in Batiri, Vanua Levu, providing a reliable and climate-resilient source of clean drinking water for the community.
The project marks a significant step toward strengthening rural resilience and improving public health outcomes for families who have relied on a nearby river for nearly five decades.
The Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Hon. Filimoni Vosarogo, acknowledged the elders and thanked villagers for supporting Ministry staff during the investigation and construction phases. The project involved drilling a borehole to a depth of approximately 60 metres to access a sustainable and secure groundwater source.
The Minister highlighted the critical importance of safe water access, noting that more than 70 per cent of the human body is made up of water and that reliable supply is fundamental not only to daily living, but also to disease prevention and long-term community wellbeing.
He emphasised that groundwater systems provide a more climate-resilient alternative to surface water sources, which are increasingly vulnerable to droughts, flooding and contamination due to changing weather patterns. Naturally filtered through layers of rock and minerals, groundwater reduces exposure to contaminants often found in rivers and streams.
He also referenced growing global concerns about microplastics in surface water, noting that protected groundwater sources are generally less exposed to such risks.
Muhammad Jamal Khan, a 60-year-old lifelong resident of Naua Settlement, expressed his gratitude to the Government for delivering the long-awaited project. He said the community had faced constant challenges using river water, particularly during heavy rain or dry periods when water quality and availability fluctuated.
“For many years, we had to use the river for water,” Mr Khan said.
“We also tried using water pumps, but they did not last long, especially with large families needing a lot of water.”
The small community, made up of eight to ten households, has lived in the area for nearly 50 years. Although the approval process took time, Mr Khan said the outcome was worth the wait.
Minister Vosarogo stressed that proper management will be key to protecting the investment. He urged the water committee and community leaders to strictly follow recommended pumping rates and extraction limits to safeguard the water table and ensure long-term sustainability for future generations.
The community has now been entrusted with maintaining the system, including keeping the borehole area clean and free from potential contamination.
Beyond providing clean water, the project strengthens community resilience against climate variability, reduces health risks linked to unsafe water, and supports sustainable rural development. It represents a practical investment in the wellbeing, dignity and future security of the people of Naua.