Beneficiaries of the ‘self-help’ program have acknowledged Government for the assistance that enabled them to receive a consistent supply of fresh water.
The self-help program currently implemented by the Ministry of Rural & Maritime Development and National Disaster Management through the Office of the Divisional Commissioners has continued to assist rural dwellers improve their livelihood socially and economically.
One such beneficiary, Sanjana Devi on behalf of the community she lives in, Nakinawai settlement in the province of Ra expressed gratitude to government for providing them with the opportunity to have a consistent supply of fresh water. Ms Devi said before the assistance, more than fifteen households in her community always relied on rainwater which is stored in tanks and sometimes water usually runs out. With the assistance from the Commissioner Western’s Office, it has allowed her family to receive a consistent supply of fresh water.
“If it was not for this assistance, we will continue to experience water shortages. We are receiving water now in our homes. I want to thank government and the Commissioner Western’s Office for the assistance,” Ms Devi said.
Similar sentiments were shared by housewife Amrita Reglin Prakash of Maqere settlement, Tavua who said that through the self-help program, the twenty-five families, mostly cane farmers in her community have now also received a consistent supply of fresh water.
“Before the assistance, it was very difficult for us – we have to rely on well water. With this assistance from the Commissioner Western’s Office, we were able to receive fresh water right in front of our homes. We are also able to do our housework properly. We are forever grateful to government and the Commissioner Western’s office for the assistance,” said an emotional Ms Prakash.
Commissioner Western, Manasa Tagicakibau said that community participation in the implementation of the ‘self-help’ project is vital.
“We are looking at communities as partners in development that play a vital role in the management of projects in their areas. This is to ensure communities take ownership of the projects and help themselves sustain efforts in development work,” Mr Tagicakibau emphasized.
Mr Tagicakibau further stated that the Nakinawai and Maqere water project supply design has been done in such a way to cater for community growth in view of socio-economic growth and a need of later upgrading.
A sum of $70,000.00 was used by the Commissioner Western’s Office to implement the two water projects.
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