In the heart of Fiji’s Lomaiviti archipelago, where the lush slopes of Ovalau Island cradle the village of Lovoni, Ilisoni Kumete is making a difference — not with grand speeches, but with quiet, determined action. As president of Lovoni’s water committee, Ilisoni Kumete has become the driving force behind his community’s fight against waterborne diseases like leptospirosis and typhoid, which once surged with every flood.
"Leptospirosis is a silent killer," Ilisoni reflects by a village pond, his voice soft but resolute. "Women and children, who spent hours fetching water from distant, unmonitored sources, were the most exposed, often unknowingly carrying danger back home with every bucket."
Where watersheds and wellbeing meet
Ilisoni Kumete’s journey began after Cyclone Winston devastated Lovoni in 2016, leaving contaminated water and illness in its wake. His first step was to register the village’s water committee with the Fiji Water Authority, giving Lovoni a voice to report issues and request support. "Before, if a pipe broke or the water was bad, we had no one to call," he recalls. "Now, we can reach out and be acknowledged."
When the Kiwa WISH+ project arrived a few years later, it brought a fresh perspective: healing the land to heal the water. Backed by the Kiwa Initiative and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the project focused on restoring the watershed, planting trees, stabilizing soil, and filtering contaminants naturally. "They didn’t assume they had all the solutions," Ilisoni says. "Listening was the first step. They took the time to understand our needs and worked with us to address them." The Kiwa WISH+ project’s One Health approach, which links water quality to waterborne diseases, has been central to its success. By addressing the root causes of contamination, the project has not only improved water access but also reduced the risk of disease. "Healthy water means healthy people, that’s what this is all about," Ilisoni states, "We need more communities to take ownership of their water systems."
Voices of the future
Today, Lovoni’s water is cleaner, and disease outbreaks have declined. Over 5,271 trees now protect the watershed, reducing erosion and improving water quality. "Trees are our natural filters," he explains. By involving women and youth, including the Lovoni Koro Youth Club, he has woven fresh ideas into the village’s fabric. "They see things differently," he admits. "Our youngest water committee members have brought fresh ideas, such as a program to teach kids about water conservation.” Lovoni’s success is inspiring neighboring communities. With the Kiwa Initiative, Ilisoni’s dream of cleaner water for every home on Ovalau is within reach. His vision is simple: "I never wanted to be a hero. I just wanted my people to be safe."
