Sovi multipurpose dam feasibility study
Client: Water Authority of Fiji
Location: Sovi River, Suva, Fiji
Date: December 2013 – December 2014
Investigating feasibility and overcoming challenges to progress the development of robust, quality water supply infrastructure.
Background
The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) commissioned Entura to conduct feasibility studies for a project to augment its current water supply for the Suva-Nausori area by replacing the existing pumping in the Waimanu River with a storage dam and gravity pipeline. Deficiencies in the existing water supply were resulting in high electricity costs, low water quality and low reliability.
Solution
Entura compared the pros and cons of three alternatives from technical, social, environmental and economic perspectives. The Sovi site was selected as the best option. It is in remote jungle in the central highlands of Fiji’s largest island, Viti Levu, surrounded by mountains, making it ideal for water storage.
Entura prepared a full feasibility study, including assessment of alternatives, geological reconnaissance mapping, preliminary design, energy assessment, project implementation schedule, cost estimation, project economic analysis, and social and environmental assessment.
The Sovi project consists of a 93m-high roller-compacted concrete (RCC) dam and a 37 km pipeline to supply 2.7 m3/s of water by gravity to the Suva-Nausori area. A 16.7 MW hydropower plant is designed for secondary use of the stored water.
Outcome
The studies have shown that the Sovi project has high potential for water supply and also power generation, but significant challenges to the project include the technical design, environmental impacts, and impacts to local communities. Entura’s multidisciplinary team brought a wide range of experience and expertise together to develop feasible solutions and to make workable recommendations to further progress the project.
Entura’s extensive expertise in water infrastructure has enabled a robust and secure water supply system, and mitigated project risks such as water storage capacity, excessive construction cost or high operating costs. This investment in new water supply infrastructure will sustain growth and jobs in the Suva area for decades to come.
