West Dry Spell Hits, Worries Residents
The prolonged lack of rain is causing concerns among residents along the pristine Rakiraki coast.
For regular visitors and drive bys, the rolling hills have turned brown and dry – but the corresponding sea and sky blue somehow compensates. However, residents are worried.
The dry spell has been persistent over the past six months. Its impact comes in the form of skin disease and saltwater intrusion into water boreholes.
According to the Early Action Rainfall (EAR) Watch released by the Fiji Meteorological Service, a meteorological drought was in place for Nadi International Airport, Rarawai Mill, Dobuilevu, Tavua and Yasawa-i-Rara at 3 and 6-month timescales.
The EAR Watch provides disaster managers with a brief summary of recent rainfall patterns, particularly meteorological drought and the rainfall outlook for the coming months.
On a global scale, the recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report highlighted that human-induced climate change has contributed to increased agricultural and ecological droughts.
NAVATU SETTLEMENT
For Navatu settlement, located in the district of Naraviravi in Ra is only 15 minutes drive from the world-renowned factory that bottles the sought-after, Fiji Water.
Five months ago, Loata Tinai temporarily moved to Navatu with her family, including eight children.
“We live in Ba but because of the lockdown, we decided to come to Navatu for a change. When school starts, we will head back.”
Ms Tinai recalls that for the last five months since their move, it has only rained twice in Navatu.
The settlement is dependent on the water borehole to supply water to the eight houses in Navatu.
Each household contributes $2 to have the pump switched on.
“Not everyone here works and there is no boat we can use to go out fishing, so it’s a struggle just to pay $2 every week to have water supply twice a week,” she said.
“The supply of water will only be open to those who have given in their contribution and for my family, we were able to fill four 20 litre drums that can cater for at least two weeks.”
Often, the water pressure is low to the extent that no water is available. Because of this, residents depend on the rain for its abundant supply.
A major challenge is the seawater intrusion into the settlement’s borehole.
“People are experiencing the side effects from this mixture of water,” she said.
Children have skin diseases and some adults experience stomach aches. Sicknesses have risen because of the water shortage such as itchiness and dehydration, Ms Tinai said.
Sera Lomawai, 55, shared similar sentiments. There are 12 individuals in her family.
“Water is a basic need and without it, a lot of problems occur,” Ms Lomawai said.
Living in Navatu for almost 20 years, Ms Lomawai has witnessed the changing climatic conditions in her area. It’s real, she exclaimed.
The sea water inundation is now a regular occurrence. But the prolonged drought and water problem is something Ms Lomawai hopes will improve.
Obviously, plantations are feeling the brunt as well.
“It is not just the people who are facing the wrath of this drought, our farms are heavily affected because our source of food comes from there,” Ms Lomawai said.
Other agricultural products such as cabbages, tomatoes, mangoes, mandarin oranges, and lime are also affected.
“Most of the things we plant like cassava either die or will only grow to a certain height and will not produce as much as expected,” she said.
Coming from a big family, using water wisely is a priority in their home.
At times, the family travels to Vatukacevaceva, about an hour’s drive to get their weekly supply of safe drinking water.
“We take two of our 20-liter drums to be filled and it would cost us a $40 return trip. Times are hard but we will do all we can to survive through this drought and water problem,” Ms Lomawai said.
HELP
The two women are pleading on behalf of their assistance from the Government and non-government organisations.
“Most of us do not work and with the little money we get, we can only provide for our families,” Ms Lomawai said.
“We are hoping for landowners of Yaqara to help us in terms of allowing the use of some of their uphill
land to dig up a new borehole that will allow the flow of water to our settlement,” she said.
The Ra District office has been approached for the use of the land. However, approval ultimately rests on the owners of Yaqara for the borehole to become a reality.
Both Ms Lomawai and Ms Tinai understand that at the policy level, relevant stakeholders may be preoccupied with COP26 preparations.
“The Government might have other important topics to debate about in Scotland in November, but we hope our struggle during this season can be heard too and help be given to us during this challenging time,” Ms Lomawai said.
AWARENESS DURING THIS SEASON
Pratish Singh, a farmer for the past 25 years, hopes farmers are educated on the types of crops to plant during the dry season.
“Not all farmers know what crop is best for a particular weather and I feel experts need to hold awareness programmes in our communities and villages,” Mr Singh said.
“We may not be very familiar with the latest technology and access to the internet, that is why we need farmers to learn things the traditional way of how our forefathers survived through different weather patterns.”
Mr Singh is hopeful that relevant experts can help farmers understand the future climate forecast and take the necessary preparatory measures.