Fiji Water Sector Strategy 2050.

The key objectives of the Fiji Water Sector Strategy 2050 are: (I) access to a reliable, clean, and efficient water supply, (II) access to safe and effective sanitation services for all, especially in urban and rural settings, (III) sustainable practices and liveable communities by integrating water resource management with economic, social, and environmental goals, (IV) financially viable water sector that operates efficiently and independently, and (V) skilled and adequate workforce capable of managing the water sector effectively. These objectives aim to address contemporary challenges such as climate change impacts, aging infrastructure, environmental impacts, growing tourist demand, skills and capacity shortages, and the need for a viable financial model. To achieve the outcomes for the Fiji water sector in light of the identified challenges, the water sector strategy is underpinned by five thematic pillars, which are: climate resilience; infrastructure and asset health; environment and tourism nexus; circular economy; and economic sustainability.
The strategy underscores the importance of collaboration, innovation, and resilience in achieving a sustainable and equitable water future for Fiji. Collaborative land-use practices will be implemented to ensure surface and groundwater recharge while protecting water quality. Storage capacity will be increased and diverse water sources like surface water, groundwater, desalination, recycled water, and stormwater, will be used. Asset renewal and leak reduction programs will be implemented to reduce system water losses to an economic level. Water use efficiency will be improved by implementing water conservation programs and incentives, and enforcing water efficiency standards for appliances and fixtures. A rural water master plan will be developed for improved water supply in rural areas.
Urban sewer services will be expanded by increasing the coverage of sewered sanitation infrastructure in urban areas, prioritizing backlog customers and new growth areas. Decentralized and nature-based sanitation systems will be implemented for informal settlements and peri-urban areas. Asset improvement programs will be implemented to reduce inflow and infiltration in sewer networks. Trade waste regulations will be enforced to improve compliance and reduce treatment capacity strain. A national faecal sludge management framework will be developed. Rural sanitation planning will be carried out by preparing and implementing a master plan for rural sanitation.
Circular economy approach will be adopted with a focus on resource recovery from wastewater treatment, including biosolids and organic waste for energy production and organic farming. Carbon footprint will be reduced by implementing initiatives to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Nature-based treatment solutions will be prioritized to reduce energy intensity and recover nutrients. Investments will be attracted in renewable energy sources and energy-efficient technologies for water and wastewater services.
Regulatory model will be strengthened by clarifying responsibilities and implementing recommendations for financial sustainability and corporatization of the Water Authority of Fiji. Tariffs will be restructured to reflect full cost recovery while protecting low-income households. The private sector involvement will be supported through public-private partnerships.
Capacity building will be strengthened by creating a Pacific Water School for peer-to-peer learning and network building. A human resources strategy focusing on future water sector needs and life-long learning, will be prepared. Technical and vocational education and training programs will be implemented for workforce development. Targeted apprenticeship programs will be provided for female school leavers.