Despite the rain- indeed, because of it- Friday, August 7th was a day of celebration on Viwa Island in Bau, Tailevu. After many years of struggling for safe drinking water, rain was finally filling numerous new tanks throughout the village. This water project was a cooperative effort made possible through the partnership of the FIJI Water Foundation, the community of Viwa, local government, and US Peace Corps.

As all who visit Viwa can observe, the island is blessed. The land and sea are bountiful, unique flora and fauna such as tree frogs, iguanas, and snakes are found there, the community has strong leadership and is highly motivated to develop the village. The only thing severely lacking in the village has been the water supply.

The Roko Tui Viwa says that accessing abundant, safe, clean water has always been a struggle for Viwa. “Our ancestors dug and collected water in ponds for bathing, drinking, and cooking. We would keep our teeth closed when drinking yaqona to keep the tadpoles out.” There are no rivers, springs, or groundwater on the small island, leaving only rain water catchment as the only safe option.

Since arriving on Viwa in 2008, US Peace Corps Volunteer Rachel Dacks had been working with the Village Development Committee to address this issue. The committee were thrilled when their request for assistance was met in March of this year by the FIJI Water Foundation. Tanks, rust-resistant paint, piping, gutters, and other materials were provided by FIJI Water Foundation, while all labor was overseen and managed by the Viwa Development Committee. Once the project was underway, some materials were also provided by Tailevu provincial council and rural development. The community worked without cease for 8 weeks to complete the project, realizing this project by way of a truly collective effort.

Chief guest David Roth, FIJI Water’s Director of External Affairs and Development, was touched by these sentiments and noted that FIJI Water Foundation always strives to work in such partnerships for a shared future. “Fiji is a small place in a world that gets smaller every day. We are all dependant on one another. FIJI Water needs you, just as you need FIJI Water.”

The Roko Tui Viwa observed that the village had experienced a renewed sense of belonging as a result of their shared vision. The project was a great success because of villagers’ willingness to work hard without pay for the betterment of the village and the future of all their children. The water project will also improve the marketability of the island, he said, which relies upon income from Christian tourists, nature lovers, and USP homestay visitors.

Also present at the ceremony on Viwa were the Commissioner Central, the Permanent Secretary for Rural Development, the Roko Tui Tailevu, representatives from the US Peace Corps, and numerous provincial representatives.

FIJI SUN, August 9th, 2009