Fiji’s 2025–2026 National Budget includes a significant investment of $284 million to upgrade the country’s water infrastructure, in what is being described as one of the most ambitious reforms of the sector in recent years. The allocation aims to address persistent issues with water quality, supply reliability, and losses caused by deteriorating infrastructure.
Announcing the initiative, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad said that close to 49 per cent of treated water in Fiji is currently lost before it reaches consumers –largely due to ageing pipes, inefficient distribution systems, and outdated treatment facilities.
“These system losses are unacceptable, both economically and socially,” Professor Prasad said. “We are investing in long-overdue upgrades that will improve service reliability, reduce wastage, and ensure more equitable access to safe water, particularly for rural and underserved communities.”
The $284 million budget will be administered by the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF), and will be used across several major categories: replacement of old and leaking pipelines; upgrading and expanding water treatment plants; improving pump stations and reservoirs; and extending networks to new housing subdivisions and outer islands.
A portion of the funding is also expected to go towards smart water metering, leak detection technologies, and new digital systems to improve monitoring and control. International development partners have indicated interest in co-financing parts of the programme, particularly those that promote sustainability and climate resilience.
The reforms are expected to create jobs in construction and engineering while easing long-standing frustrations among consumers. Water security has been a major concern in parts of Fiji where intermittent supply has affected households, schools, and businesses. With this injection of funding, the government is hoping to future-proof the country’s water system and restore public confidence in essential services.
