Historic Mou for the Pacific

Historic Mou for the Pacific

In a historic first, the Pacific Water and Wastewater Association (PWWA) and the Caribbean Water Associations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to foster inter-regional cooperation, according to Opetaia Ravai, Chairman of the Pacific Water and Waste Water Association.

Mr. Ravai is also the Chief Executive Officer of the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF)

The MOU was signed at the 7th Annual Water Forum held recently in South Korea. The event takes place every three years and is the world’s largest meeting on water issues with 38,000 participants.

Mr. Ravai said that the purpose of the MOU was to facilitate cooperation for better water and sanitation services between the two areas and would include capacity development through shared experience, expertise and knowledge.

“A better utilization of resources and an increased awareness of shared issues between the two areas is of significant importance as we move forward,” said Mr. Ravai.

As one of the speakers at the Forum, Mr. Ravai, in his address reviewed the challenges facing the 26 water and wastewater facilities in the 21 countries that comprises the PWWA.

He highlighted the vulnerability of island atolls and pointed as examples both Kiribati and Tuvalu with delegates noting “with grave concern” the sustainability of water supply and sanitation in those countries.

Mr. Ravai pointed out the importance of expanding the role of PWWA’s Secretariat to better serve the region and solicited financial support from funding agencies.

While speakers addressed a number of issues, the overall theme, according to Mr. Ravai, was the need for increased awareness of climate change, especially the impact it will have on the consumers.

“Consumers need to be educated about better management of water as a limited resource, and how supply could be affected by climate change. There was a special emphasis on the role that politicians can play in helping to control demand.”

In addition to his presentation on PWWA, Mr. Ravai turned his attention to Fiji. He outlined the WAF operations especially in risk management, and highlighted Government’s commitment to strengthen water and sanitation.

Of particular interest in the Forum was the twinning between WAF and the Australia’s Hunter Water as a demonstration of an effective long-term training programme.

Mr. Ravai concluded by telling participants that Fiji was well positioned to meet the United National Development goals in terms of coverage and sanitation.

ENDS

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