Brian Sucre Junction residents gain access to water for the first time

More than 100 residents of Brian Sucre Junction in Region Eight now have reliable, first-time access to clean and dependable water following the commissioning of a new $35 million water supply system.

The system was officially inaugurated on Monday by Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, marking a major milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to improve public utilities in the hinterland.

The project, executed by Mohamed Excavation & Construction and Q&A Civil Works, involved the drilling of a potable water well, the construction of a solar-powered pumping system, elevated metal trestles, a pipe distribution network, and direct household connections.

Until now, residents of Brian Sucre Junction relied on rainwater harvesting or a nearby spring for their daily water needs—both unreliable and unsustainable sources, particularly during the dry season.

The new system forms part of a broader government strategy to enhance water access across Region Eight. Since 2021, more than $1 billion has been spent on water infrastructure in the region, including the drilling of over 15 new wells. An estimated $440 million was allocated to communities such as Kaibarupai, Monkey Mountain, and Kato.

A further $161 million facilitated new systems in Kamana, Itabac, Micobie, and Sand Hill, while Karisparu alone benefited from upgrades valued at $60 million.

Across the hinterland, more than $5.5 billion has been invested over the past five years to expand water distribution networks. And the momentum continues: over $2 billion is earmarked for 2025 to drill additional wells and extend treated water access even further.

The government has set an ambitious yet clear goal: to achieve 100 per cent access to safe, potable water in hinterland regions by the end of 2025. (DPI)