Habitat For Humanity Fiji Improves Safe Water Access For Communities In Vanuabalavu

As part of ongoing commitment to strengthening community resilience in remote island communities, Habitat for Humanity Fiji successfully completed critical water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) upgrades at Adi Maopa Secondary School and Lomaloma Hospital in Vanuabalavu, strengthening access to clean and safe drinking water for students, hospital staff, patients, and the wider community. This project was generously supported by a private donor whose contribution made these improvements possible.

As the only secondary school serving Vanuabalavu and the broader Northern Lau Group, Adi Maopa Secondary School has long faced challenges with limited water storage capacity and ongoing water quality concerns. These challenges have contributed to recurring waterborne diseases, particularly diarrhoea, affecting more than 20 students each month, resulting in reduced attendance rates and educational setbacks.

Habitat Fiji was able to provide 10 new 10,200-litre tanks fitted with first flush devices and connected to standpipes with sawyer filters. An additional 10 existing tanks were upgraded with new gutters and first flush systems, significantly boosting safe water availability for students.

At Lomaloma Hospital, which serves more than 4,000 people across Vanuabalavu, 10 existing tanks were upgraded with a proper rainwater harvesting system and enhanced filtration, while eight others were secured with new tie-downs to ensure stability during cyclones. These improvements strengthen water reliability for the hospital and the wider community. To support long-term sustainability, nine community members as well as school staff received training in proper system maintenance and the use of sawyer filters.

“Access to safe drinking water is fundamental to the health, learning, and resilience of our communities. By strengthening the water systems at Adi Maopa Secondary School and Lomaloma Hospital, we are safeguarding student wellbeing and supporting the hospital’s capacity to deliver safe, reliable care. We are thankful for the generous support of our private donor, which has made these critical improvements possible for the people of Northern Lau,” says Sangita Kumar, Habitat for Humanity Fiji Interim National Director.

Habitat for Humanity Fiji remains committed to ensuring access to safe and decent housing with integrated basic services, including water and sanitation.

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