The Water Supply Department said priority has been given to ensuring that the rehabilitation and augmentation of the Suva Nausori water system is carried out quickly.

Principal Information Officer Iliesa Sokia said it is of great concern that the old pipes still in use today, are losing 50% of water pumped through the system through leaks and this is why they have the US$70 million US loan from the ADB to fund this project.

Sokia said this is an ongoing project which they have earmarked to be completed by 2011 and while the work is ongoing further funding will only be released once proper procedures are followed.

It was earlier revealed by Divisional Water Engineer Central Eastern Sereicokocoko Yanuyanurua that they were still awaiting the approval of funding to do the replacement work.