Fiji
Project Overview and Community During the summer of 2007, there was an outbreak of typhoid fever in the Fijian villages of Buca, Vunikura, and Loa. This outbreak has been attributed to villagers using contaminated water supplies, which tested positive for typhoid, salmonella, E.coli, and a host of other harmful bacteria.
2010 Activities Information collected during the 2009 Assessment Trip was evaluated between August 2009 and July 2010, and construction plans were developed for each village. In August 2010, 6 Team members traveled to Buca Bay to repair and improve the water systems.
In addition to repairing or replacing leaking and broken taps within all three villages, the Team completed larger repairs that included the following:
Buca Village:
- Replaced main village distribution line with a larger 4” pipe sized to ap-propriate capacity;
- Replaced 2”, 1”, and 0.5” laterals delivering water to family and commu-nity taps; and
- Repaired broken taps within the village.
Vunikura Village:
- Rerouted a vulnerable section of the main 2” pipeline crossing a river to a nearby bridge, to avoid the washout of the pipe; and
- Replaced a large section of low-lying distribution line carrying water from the storage tank to the village center, which had been damaged.
Loa Village:
- Repaired, replaced, and rerouted leaking and vulnerable pipe sections within the village; and
- Implemented a pilot biosand filter program, with three biosand filters connected to the distribution line for supply of clean drinking water.
Additionally, the Team held meetings with community leaders, the village Water Committees and local NGOs. The Team established formal relations by signing Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with each village.
2011 and Beyond The information collected during the first implementation trip is currently being evaluated. The three villages have varying issues so sustainable solutions to the drinking water contamination and water supply are being developed on a village-by-village basis. Some potential solutions may include:
- Additional pipeline repair;
- Water treatment like biosand filters;
- Source intake improvements.
The Team will begin implementing these improvements during a second implementation trip scheduled for August 2011. The Team’s extended presence will aid in the success and sustainability of the Project.
