Water woes will be a thing of the past for 10 farmers in Labasa after they were provided 5,300-litre water tanks each.
Lagalaga livestock farmer Akisi Vinaka, 63, and 52-year-old Dreketi-lailai crop farmer Deo Raman who were among recipients expressed their gratitude to providers Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) saying that the water tanks are a welcomed relief.
The water tanks are valued at $1,200 each.
“Before our water source was the river, we would use the pump to reach us. But this water tank will make it easier for me,” Raman said. “Now the water will be pumped into the water tank and from there we will use it for both household and for the farm.”
ADRA Fiji Country Director, Iliapi Tuwai said the assistance was part of a project targeted at helping communities address water problems.
“ADRA is here to help you and I want to thank the Minister for this partnership we have with the Government. I want to reassure you that we will continue to work with Government to help you get up again,” Tuwai said.
Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment, Dr Mahendra Reddy thanked ADRA and other development partners for assisting farmers in improving their livelihoods.
“This project by ADRA will provide an essential need, clean water. Provision of clean water is very critical with the support of development partners, and donors. Recipients will use these water tanks for their households and agricultural activity. It will transform their livelihoods and increase their agricultural productivity,” he said.
Photo: Courtesy of Ministry of Agriculture
