More people are expected to be employed by Fiji Water as there are major plans in place to expand their business.
There is also good news for people living between Tavua and Rakiraki as Fiji Water is also expected to enter into a joint project to be able to provide piped water to those who normally rely on wells and streams in these areas.
During the signing of two lease agreements between Fiji Water and the iTaukei Land Trust Board, Fiji Water CEO Rokoseru Nabalarua confirmed that more people will be needed on this major development.
TLTB General Manager Alipate Qetaki said the Natural Waters Viti Limited who is the owner of Fiji Water has successfully negotiated two major leases for Water Bottling, Commercial Agriculture and Conservation at Yaqara, in full consultation with the landowners of Mataqali Tawa of Naseyani village and Yavusa Nadokana of Rabulu village.
Qetaki said under the lease terms and conditions, the two leases will be for 99 years each with a starting rent of $95,000 and $70,750 respectively and an additional premium of $136,250 and $182,980 per annum for 99 years.
He said the total amount of land involved is about 1,440 hectares.
He added they are other benefits to the landowners such as employment, training and water bottling.
Nabalarua said the main reason for the additional projects is to manage their resources and look for new resources.