Expanding Access to Water & Sanitation in Caqalai

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