Fiji’s Water Sector Strategy 2050

Fiji has adopted a strategy to improve its water sector’s resilience, sustainability and economic viability. Juliet Korovou and Peni M Shute explain.

You cannot buy happiness, but you can come to Fiji, and that’s pretty much the same thing. Most visitors to Fiji would testify that this Fiji Tourism tagline is as close to reality as it gets. Fiji is a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) in the South Pacific and one of the newest Governing Members of IWA. With a rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes and vibrant biodiversity, Fiji is a key hub for trade and tourism in the region.

As climate change intensifies in the Pacific, climate vulnerability of water systems under extreme weather events and rising sea levels is now endangering key water infrastructure, necessitating substantial investment in protective measures. SIDS in the Pacific are home to about 2.5 million people, living on hundreds of islands spread over the vast Pacific Ocean. The region covers nearly 15% of the Earth’s surface, with shared water security challenges and solutions.

When it comes to climate change, it is worth pointing out that, collectively, the Pacific SIDS contribute less than 1% of global emissions. However, when it comes to the impact of climate change, the Pacific is the Ground Zero in terms of the brunt of its potential impact.

Benchmarking data collected by the Pacific Water and Wastewater Association (a body representing water utilities from 21 countries of the Pacific) indicate high levels of non-revenue water (NRW) because of ageing infrastructure across the Pacific. In Fiji, an estimated 47% of water is lost to leaks and bursts in the water pipe network.

Strategic pillars

The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) has unveiled an ambitious plan – the Water Sector Strategy 2050. This forward-looking $8.5 billion investment programme (over 27 years) aims to secure a sustainable and resilient future for Fiji’s water resources, ensuring every Fijian has access to clean and reliable water services. The Strategy is a direct outcome of the country’s first-ever national-level collective planning exercise that united stakeholders, from the public sector, private sector, tourism industry, NGOs, academia, development partners, and citizens. The document is not just a list of priority projects and investments; it is a shared vision for the water and sanitation future of Fiji.

As outlined in Figure 1, the Water Sector Strategy 2050 is built on five strategic pillars that provide a comprehensive approach to addressing water-related challenges. These strategic pillars ensure that the Strategy responds to climate vulnerability, focuses on renewing ageing infrastructure, contributes to the circular economy, enhances the natural environment, and builds on the long-term financial viability of the water sector itself.

Response strategies

Tackling the challenge of non-revenue water (NRW)

The high level of NRW continues to be a significant challenge for the Water Authority of Fiji. WAF’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Amit Chanan, explains: “Our pipe network is roughly 5,000 km, making it a significant challenge to identify and fix leaks. And that is why we are working with world-leading experts in NRW – who have the right expertise – to help us with this and build the capacity of our staff.”

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has reaffirmed its commitment to assist WAF in reducing NRW. Neeta Pokhrel, ADB Director to the Pacific, highlighted the ADB’s ongoing support, saying: “We are proud partners of the Water Authority of Fiji. We supported the Viria water treatment plant – one of the biggest water infrastructure projects built in Fiji in recent times. The next WAF project we are supporting is focused on reducing non-revenue water.”

In late September 2024, a performance based contract was awarded to Miya (a global efficiency-oriented water operator) for a water loss reduction project in the Suva-Nausori Region – home to the country’s capital city – and WAF’s flagship response strategy to address high NRW. A key feature of this five-year programme includes capacity building for WAF staff, who will be trained in best-practice water loss reduction.

Focus on wastewater treatment upgrades

On the sanitation front, the Water Sector Strategy 2050 gives priority to wastewater management – prioritising the lion’s share of investment for improving wastewater treatment and access to safe sanitation.

A total of $5 billion is earmarked for wastewater management, with several high-priority projects identified. The Kinoya Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade is the first priority project, and aims to enhance capacity and efficiency, ensuring improved wastewater management for Suva. This project is vital for protecting the environment and public health, while supporting the region’s sustainable development. The ADB and the European Investment Bank (EIB) are supporting WAF with design development works that are already under way for the multi-million-dollar upgrade to the biggest wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in the country.

In addition to Kinoya, the decentralised wastewater management strategy for Greater Suva will see limitations on wastewater volume currently being pumped over long distances to the Kinoya WWTP, with plans for two additional treatment plants to be built in the Lami and Nausori areas. The strategy will also address the backlog of sewerage works and upgrades to the wastewater network around Kinoya. Tenders for construction works for the Kinoya WWTP upgrade are planned to be called by mid-2025.

Strengthening financial viability

A financially viable WAF will be critical to the delivery of the Water Sector Strategy 2050. Therefore, a financial model that reduces dependency on public sector grants is one of the key strategic pillars of the Strategy. With assistance from the ADB, Fiji’s Competition and Consumer Commission has recently commenced a tariff review for water services.

If implemented, these tariff reforms have the capacity to strengthen the water sector’s financial viability. It is also expected to enhance WAF’s operational efficiency, ensuring sustainable and reliable water services for all Fijians. Fiji’s Water Sector Strategy 2050 is a bold and timely step towards a secure water future. By focusing on climate resilience, infrastructure health, sustainable development and community engagement, Fiji is setting an example for SIDS across the Pacific and globally. The Strategy underscores the importance of global collaboration and peer-to-peer learning in addressing water challenges. Many IWA members – both individuals and organisations – have been invaluable international partners who have supported the WAF team in developing the Water Sector Strategy 2050, and have been key in shaping a resilient and sustainable water future for Fiji.

The authors:

Juliet Korovou and Peni M Shute are from the Communications & Stakeholder Engagement Department of the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF)

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