Fiji Voluntary National Review (VNR) for 2023

SUCCESS STORIES for SDG 6 – Mineral Resources Department

Savusavu Lailai, Momi Area, Sigatoka

Momi area lies about fifteen miles southwest of Nadi in the driest part of Viti Levu and is considered to be one of the red zones area in Viti Levu. The occurrence, extent and developability of groundwater resources are intimately dependent on geological relationships thus in general, Momi region is unfavorable to the occurrence of sustainable groundwater resources.

In 2019, the Hydrogeology team of the Mineral Resource Department undertook groundwater assessment in 12 communities in the Momi region in which 5 communities were selected for detail groundwater investigations. Selection was based on three factors; population, lack of adequate water sources and potential contamination. Savusavu lailai was the largest community in the District that does not have a safe and sustainable water supply. The hydrogeological features in the area that was assessed through geophysics investigations in the area by the team that established potential sites that would be favorable for groundwater storage and transmission.

Through thorough groundwater detailed investigations and interpretations, borehole drilling was recommended and conducted in 2021 to establish the availability of groundwater source which was successfully achieved. As a result, a proper water supply system was installed later in 2022 and commissioned in November for the Savusavu lailai community, and the 28 households (population of 140) can now access clean and safe drinking water from the comfort of their homes. These means better life, better sanitation and hygiene for the people in Savusavu lailai community. 

Some challenges faced were limited officers on site for reticulation and officers from other teams were deployed to assist. Weather conditions such as the rainy season affected the roads and accessibility where heavy machinery and vehicles got stuck and team had to wait out for the soil to dry. Meanwhile team carried out other required works and was able to get the reticulation works completed within the targeted timeframe.

Establishing a Bamboo Industry in Fiji

Bamboo could become potentially an important component of Fiji's Green Economy transformation. Its versatility could offer Fijians sustainable solutions to their needs. It could also become an important source of employment and income-generation for unemployed or under-employed youth living in rural communities. A Fiji Bamboo Association (FBA), a public–private partnership, was formed in 2019 for the purpose of promoting, supporting and protecting the bamboo industry in Fiji. In 2020 Fiji also became a member of the International Bamboo and Rattan Organisation (INBAR) with representation by the Ministry of Forestry. FBA promotes the use of bamboo for innovative and nature-based solutions. Projects involving bamboo are planned for the coming years that are expected to contribute to SDGs 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15 and 17.

Information provided by the Fiji Bamboo Association (FBA) and the International Bamboo and Rattan Organisation (INBAR).

Bula Coffee

Bula Coffee started off by buying coffee beans from one family in a Fijian village ten years ago, and now they harvest the wild-grown coffee from about 52 villages and supporting 5000 people annually. Bula Coffee now exports to the United Kingdom, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. In the U.K., Bula Coffee is sold for FJD 300 per Kilogram. Bula coffee has changed lives in some of the most remote Fijian communities. This is a good example where the private sector investment has brought benefit to communities around Fiji.