Heavy weather destroys water tank during water cuts
One of these water tanks, located in Field 40, Lautoka was damaged as a result of the heavy rain and wind.
The planned water cut for the Nadi-Lautoka areas has left many people relying on water tanks provided by the Water Authority of Fiji as a backup source of water.
One of these water tanks, located in Field 40, Lautoka, was damaged as a result of the heavy rain and wind.
According to Water Authority of Fiji, in the event of the scheduled water cuts in the Nadi/ Lautoka area, they received eight reports of damaged tanks which were promptly replaced.
"Some of these tanks were damaged by people while others were damaged due to a natural occurrence, or the unsteady base the tank was placed on."
Shaib Shiek, 28, who lives a few metres from where the tank was situated, said they had noticed that the water tank was titling while the tank was half empty. He said they made several attempts to contact the relevant authorities on Sunday.
"I had noticed that the sand on which the tank was lying was slowly being washed away," he said.
"It was slowly titling. This was our back-up water supply; we had relied on this tank and it is too far to walk to get water from the other tanks.
"We called the Water Authority several times to inform them, but we got no response.
He said they made several attempts in contacting relevant authorities on Sunday.
"Last night the rain and wind must have caused its fall resulting in it breaking up."
He said it was unfortunate that such things had to happen when they were needed most. “When we ran out of water, we use the tanks. In times like this, we should always have a proper source of water which should be secured in a good position.
"It is good that the water is back today. If the cuts had continued on, we would have to walk a few more metres just to get water from the other tanks,” he said.