Expanding Access to Water & Sanitation in Caqalai

Project Report | Jul 14, 2020
Merging for a Greater Reach

By Daniel Sitarenios | Operations Manager

Dear Supporters,

Our work in Fiji is far from complete but with you by our side we have done some amazing work! We started work on two Islands, Dawasamu and Caquali in Fiji and as we progress we are looking to extend our work to other neighbouring Islands.

Although Fiji is surrounded by water the funding and support to provide clean and safe drinking water is simply nonexistent and therefore the only way many community members are able to safely access drinking water during the dry season is from your commitment and donations that have allowed us to install rainwater harvesting systems in the community. While we have installed over 10 systems and invested over $14,000 into a number of systems we still have a high demand as you can imagine with Fiji being made up of over 400 Islands.

This project is 100% sustainable and making use of natural resources to improve the lives and health of all the community members we meet in Fiji and we will not stop until everyone across all Islands have access to clean and safe drinking water and sanitation. This is increasingly more important with the current COVID-19 pandemic flooding the world.

Did you know that a donation of $200 will fund a filter, filter system and lockable tap to source one family with access to clean drinking water for their family.

We initially started two projects for each Island we were based on and as we move to the next stage of our journey we have decided to have one project tackling the one issue and therefore this is our final project report on this project. However the work is not stopping here and we invite you to join us on our project here https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/rain-water-harvesting-and-sanitation/ that is the same as this one but will be scaling up due to your generous donations to offer safe drinking water to even more Islands and communities across Fiji.

With Gratitude,

Caqalai Water

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Jun 3, 2020
Every Drop Counts!

By Michele Comber | Program Manager

Dear Supporters,

The main focus for since January 2020 has been the continued construction and completion of composting toilets and supporting platforms for rainwater harvesting systems in Moturiki. Over the last two years GVI Fiji Caqalai has concentrated mostly on conducting management workshops, and education surrounding hygiene and sanitation topics. A need for action is highlighted by recent devastating outbreaks of typhoid in the area, in addition to the effect of severe droughts seen in recent years

Our main focus in 2019 has moved towards construction-based activities in Moturiki, to decrease the risk of health issues resulting from lack of freshwater availability. This has included work on the installation of rainwater harvesting systems and composting toilets.

The last quarter work has been put on hold due to Covid 19 and restrictions put in place by local government i.e. no inter island travel. The restriction will be lifted by the end of June so planning is now in process to see what areas of work can be continued by the local community.

Moving forward, we will be reviewing what work is a priority and focus our concentration and current funds on these projects. One area will be looking at the next two villages that required water bases built so rainwater harvesting tanks can be installed to help ease some of the health and wellbeing issues that arise due to not having sufficient access to fresh water.

The work undertaken during the quarter has added to our progression towards UN Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and 6 (Clean water and Sanitation).

As always, a huge thanks to the donors and to the charitable trust for their continued support. We look forward to continuing our work with the communities to increase our impact on the water, sanitation and hygiene facilities available to the villages of Moturiki.

A huge Vinaka Vakalevu from the team here on Caqalai!

With Gratitude,

Caqalai Water

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Feb 7, 2020
Rainwater harvesting systems

By Tessa Sealey | Program Manager

Dear Supporters,

Up until the past two years, GVI Fiji Caqalai has concentrated mostly on conducting management workshops, and education surrounding hygiene and sanitation topics. A need for action is highlighted by recent devastating outbreaks of typhoid in the area, in addition to the effect of severe droughts seen in recent years. Our main focus in 2019 has moved towards construction-based activities in Moturiki, to decrease the risk of health issues resulting from lack of freshwater availability. This has included work on the installation of rainwater harvesting systems and composting toilets.

During the last quarter, the work on the composting toilet in Daku has been completed by a local carpenter from the nearby village of Nasasera. Delays to the completion of this project have included other events on the island, and the other work undertaken by the individual (funerals, work for the church, etc). Our volunteers and staff visited the village for the official opening day in November, where a workshop on the benefits and maintenance of compost toilets was held in the community hall.

There has also been a steady effort directed towards the construction of additional cement platforms, integral to the longevity of the rainwater harvesting systems to be put in place. The most recent has been completed in July. This was thanks to the fundraising done in the earlier parts of the year, and the many hours of labour carried out by the volunteers and the people of Moturiki. No additional funds were requested from the Charitable Trust in Q4 to contribute to the rainwater harvesting project.

Moving forward, we are looking to push the number of cement supports we build per quarter to two. This will increase the impact we are having on the availability of freshwater to the people who live in the villages of Moturiki. We may need to apply to the GVI Charitable Trust for funding for cement and wood for construction.

Continued support for these projects will allow the people living on Moturiki to access communal, safe drinking water, in lieu of the delayed reservoir project which will bring fresh water into individual homes. Delays to the projects are ongoing due to unforeseen local events and circumstances, such as funerals.

The work undertaken during the quarter has added to our progression towards UN Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and 6 (Clean water and Sanitation).

As always, a huge thanks to the donors and to the charitable trust for their continued support. We look forward to increasing our impact on the water, sanitation and hygiene in Moturiki.

With Gratitude,

Caqalai Water

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