The Water Authority of Fiji has described its upgrading operations carried out at the Waila Water Treatment Plant last Saturday, November 27, as “very successful”.
This upgrading works is part of the $23 million ADB funding for the upgrading of the Waila and Tamavua Treatment Plants.
Work at the Waimanu River pumps went well - the damaged pump base was repaired and the cabling for all 5 pumps was replaced.
At the treatment plant, pipe work alterations were done on the inlet main and as a result, the new flocculation chamber is now in use. This has improved the process of removing dirt from the raw water.
Under the filters, a large hole was cut in the concrete wall which has resulted in almost doubling the capacity of the "wet well" - the chamber used to store water before it is pumped out to the reservoirs.
This task was carried out by specialist contractors from Christchurch, New Zealand.
Other tasks include removing sand that had got through the system, installing a temporary wall and other minor works.
Fletchers Construction and WAF staff worked extensively to accomplish the targeted outcomes. The extensive works and the risks involved required operations to be conducted during the day.
Water flow to the reservoirs was stopped at 7am and the pumps were re-started at 6.30 p.m.
Members of the public were advised throughout the last 2 weeks about the works and the disruption that it would cause. They were advised to store water to last for the duration of the works.
WAF’s General Manager Operations Taito Delana said "We were concerned about reducing - or even stopping - water flows to many of our customers. It was for them that we planned to do this work in the shortest possible time and we thank them for their tolerance during this important work".
Eight trucks were carting water, for those who requested assistance throughout the weekend.
Water tanks were also located at strategic locations for easy access to the public.
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For further enquiries call Michelle Tevita-Singh – Team Leader Corporate Communications on 3346777 or msingh@waf.com.fj