Plans to construct a water and sewerage treatment plant in Savusavu are well underway however the issue of the availability of land is now the hold up.

This has been confirmed by the Water Supply Principal Information Officer Iliesa Sokia who said they have completed the design and planning stages for the $5million project and they have put out a tender for interested parties.

Sokia said they had faced some problems with finding an adequate piece of land as well as objections from some businesses who said the discharge will be harmful to marine life.

He added the proposed piece of land in question is near Vivili village and talks with landowners are continuing to secure the piece of land.

He also said studies carried out by the Marine Department revealed that the discharge is well treated and poses no threat to marine life.

Meanwhile, the Savusavu Special Administrator Vijay Chand has welcomed the setting up of the treatment plant, as it is long overdue and will improve the standard of living for the people in Savusavu.

He added this will also be a major boost for investment and tourism projects as proper water infrastructure will be in place.

The project will be funded from the $150million ADB loan.