SUVA, Fiji\u2014People residing in two drought-prone sugarcane areas on Fiji\u2019s main island, Viti Levu, are a step closer to accessing more reliable water supplies, following the recent completion of hydrogeological surveys. <\/p>\n
The surveys, conducted by a Water Resources team from the Secretariat of the Pacific Community\u2019s Geoscience Division, have mapped new sources of underground water in Qerelevu and Nanuku-Wailevu.<\/p>\n
The initiative, funded by the European Union and implemented through the SPC\u2019s Micro Projects Program, was carried out near a number of communities who are yet to be connected to the Water Authority of Fiji network and have a history of water shortages.<\/p>\n
\u201cAccess to safe, reliable water for drinking and farming is essential for healthy, productive communities. Due to the increased demand and the impact of extreme weather events, this access remains a challenge for some communities. Sources of groundwater can be tapped to help meet demand, but it takes expert knowledge, specialist equipment and sustainable management. The European Union is proud to support the process of turning these potential resources into a reality\u2014now and for future generations,\u201d said Emmanuelle Guihenuf of the European Union delegation for the Pacific and head of Economic and Social Issues, Coordination of Regional Programs Section.\u00a0<\/p>\n
SPC\u2019s Water Resources adviser, Peter Sinclair, said the surveys\u2014which use sophisticated geophysical electrical resistivity equipment\u2014have detected places where there are likely to be sources of fresh underground water that could be potentially tapped.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe areas surveyed currently rely on a combination of collected rainwater, springs, or shallow wells. During extended dry periods, collected rainfall is insufficient and the yield from the springs or shallow groundwater is reduced or dries up completely. Families and communities then rely upon water carting or sharing from those few neighbors with springs that maintain water flows,\u201d Sinclair said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cGroundwater from deeper sources has the distinct advantage that it is less impacted by droughts and cyclones, and so it offers greater reassurance of a safe water supply. Under the Micro Project Program\u2019s philosophy of \u2018build back better,\u2019 the information gained from these surveys will help these disaster-prone communities to become more resilient,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Identifying the sources of new water supplies is just the first step in the process but it is a significant one as the information can be used to develop future water supply systems as needed.<\/p>\n
Pumping tests from the drilled bores would also need to be carried out. This would assess the volume and quality of water to ensure that the groundwater resource can be developed in a sustainable way and meet local needs.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe best approach for ensuring safe and resilient water supply to rural areas is to work within the physical and social limitations of the communities for which the water supplies will be used, operated and maintained,\u201d Sinclair said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Further surveys are planned for four selected communities in Ba, Tavua and Rakiraki later this year. (SPC)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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