16 Jun 2011

Save the Children Fiji rejects reports saying half of population lacks clean water

1:57 pm on 16 June 2011

The Fiji branch of an international children's NGO is rejecting research saying more than half the population of the country lacks access to safe drinking water.

This figure is revealed in Save the Children International's 12th annual report on the State of the World's Mothers 2011.

The National Director of the Fiji branch, Chandra Shekhar, disagrees with the findings, saying he and his team were never consulted about the research.

"We cannot stand by the statement that half the population is without safe drinking water. As you know, Fiji as an island nation has an abundance of water - natural water. And we have got the pipe water supply which is quite reliable to a very large section of the population."

Chandra Shekhar says Save the Children Fiji is trying to determine where the information came from.

The Fiji Water Authority is also denying the findings of the report, saying it is doing its best to supply safe drinking water to as many people as possible.