Water Authority of Fiji Spends Over $3M To Supply Water To Affected Areas

The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) has spent over $3million to supply water to areas affected by drought.

The Western and Northern division rural population is being affected by the dry weather condition.

WAF chief executive officer Opetaia Ravai, said that the situation was a concern especially in the Western parts of Viti Levu around Ba, Tavua and Rakiraki. These areas he said have not received substantial rainfall.

He says water trucks are also being sent to areas in the Northern division especially Nagigi, Valeabasoga, Vunivau, Tabia and Waiqele. Mr Ravai said that the dry spell in the Central Division was not as bad, as these areas have had rain in the last few days.

He said that the Regional Manager in the West had confirmed that Sigatoka and Nadi had experienced rain in the last few days, but there was still insufficient amount of rain in Ba, Tavua and Rakiraki. “Everyday of the week, there are areas that are being included to the list for water cartage as wells in the areas have begun to dry up due to the current weather situation,” he said.

“At least 95 to 100 trucks are being used each day to cart water, costing WAF $1.5 million a month.”

The number of trucks could increase if the dry conditions continue.

“We are still receiving continuous calls for assistance for water,” he said.

Moreover he says that they have a water carting schedule for areas, which do not have piped water.

“We are at least giving 1000 litres of water per family and that should last a family of five for one week,” he said.

“Now we know for some instances they may ask for more water which we do supply and there is also ad hoc requests that is not according to the schedule of water cartage and who are now experiencing their sources drying up they are now being added to the list. “For areas where road access is difficult we have placed distribution tanks where people can access water from.”

Mr Ravai is also calling on the public to use water wisely.