Co-ordination of Water Supply Essential: Seruiratu
Leader of Opposition, Inia Seruiratu said there needs to be good co-ordination of water supply in affected areas of Lami-Suva-Nausori.
Mr Seruiratu said: “All the key stakeholders need to work together, it’s not only the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) there are other agencies that can assist.”
He said for instance, the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) had portable tanks that could strategically be used in areas affected.
“Perhaps it’s the co-ordination that needs to be improved; we fully understand the situation that our infrastructure is in,” he said.
“At the same time, I will also encourage all of us that we take responsibility as well.”
Minister Responsible
Minister for Public Works, Transport, and Meteorological Services, Ro Filipe Tuisawau said the dry weather was posing a significant water supply challenge.
Rainfall
He said the Fiji Meteorological Services had highlighted that the rainfall station in Suva recorded 157 millimetres of rainfall in March, while its long-term average for the month is normally around 345 millimetres.
Ro Filipe said the rainfall station in Nausori recorded 140 millimetres of rainfall during the past month, while it would normally receive around 356 millimetres during March.
“This is very alarming - the rainfall data reflects the water stress we are facing in terms of water supply production and supply,” he said.
Ro Filipe said while there was rain experienced in parts of Suva last Thursday, it was not enough to replenish levels at the WAF water supply catchment areas.” “The water supply will be impacted by this, therefore, we strongly urge members of the public to take heed of our notices. By doing so we can work together to help manage and share the limited water supply we can continue to draw from the catchments.”