Following the recent earthquake and tsunami that struck the North Eastern Coast of Japan in the Miyagi, Iwate and Fukushima areas, the Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation the Hon Ratu Inoke Kubuabola had directed his ministry to explore ways in which Fiji may be able to donate water to these troubled areas of Japan.
The initiative follows the offer by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama to his Japanese counterpart that Fiji was ready to assist where needed.
A number of local companies that export water overseas have responded positively to the Minister’s initiative and confirmed donation of eight (8) container loads of bottled water worth FJD 118,000.00.
The companies that heeded the Minister’s call were:
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Natural Waters of Viti Ltd – Fiji Water
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Pleass Beverage & Packaging – Aqua Safe
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Frezco Beverages Ltd – Aqua Pacific
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Carpenters Fiji Ltd
In addition, Carpenters Shipping Ltd agreed to ship free of charge the eight containers at a cost of FJD 24,000.00 to Japan.
Fiji’s Ambassador in Japan His Excellency Isikeli Mataitoga was also able to arrange for free storage of the water upon arrival in Japan.
The Fijian Government however has now received today the following notification from the Embassy of Japan, which stated:
“Would like to inform you that we have just received official information from Tokyo about water supply being normalized.
The Prime Minister's office of Japan mentioned that the domestic logistics were recovered and restored at the disaster area, therefore, victims are getting enough water now.
We appreciate the proposal from you and the water suppliers to assist the victims and I’m most grateful for your thoughtfulness.”
The Ministry wishes to acknowledge with appreciation the ready willingness of Natural Waters of Viti Ltd – Fiji Water; Pleass Beverage & Packaging – Aqua Safe; Frezco Beverages Ltd; and Carpenters Fiji Ltd to respond positively to this humanitarian initiative by the Government and People of Fiji. Vinaka vakalevu, Dhaniyavad, Thank you and Arigatou gozaimasu.
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