Water and bougainvilleas
Water woes
THE water supply in Ba was disrupted without any warning at the height of flooding on Sunday morning.
We managed with whatever stored water we had. When I called the Water Authority of Fiji emergency hotline 5777, I was informed that the water catchment area in Waiwai had blockages, thus affecting the water supply in Ba area.
On Monday morning, I called again and was given a similar response. During the day I headed down to Ba Town to buy bottled water for drinking and cooking. I realised that the town area and parts of Yalalevu had normal water supply.
So I called WAF command centre again, only to receive the same reply.
I mean, I’m only six blocks away from the residents who have water supply normalised.
And I’m still being told about blockages in the dam.
DINESH KUMAR
Ba
Reservoir low
THE Water Authority of Fiji scenario in a 36-hour period from Saturday, March 16 to early Monday morning, March 18, 2024;
Calling WAF at 8pm Saturday evening: Wife: “Bula, is this the WAF?” Young lady at WAF: “Yes ma’am.” Wife: “We currently have no water in Upper Ragg Avenue. Is there anything wrong with the water pipes or why aren’t we having a constant water supply and when can we expect to have water?”
Young lady at WAF: “Ma’am, I am sorry the water reservoir is low. I cannot give you a time for when the water supply to your area will resume. Can I have your phone number please, so I can arrange a water truck come to your area to fill your containers?”
Wife gives mobile number. Then the wait begins.
No sign nor hint of a water truck in the area for the full 12-hour period until Sunday morning.
Sunday morning at 8am. Water went on from 5/6am to 8am. Water goes off again.
Exactly the same exchange goes on with the WAF with another lady. No sign nor hint of a water truck in the area for the full 12-hour period until Sunday evening.
Sunday evening at 8pm. Water still not on from 8am.
No sign nor hint of a water truck in the area for the full 12-hour period until Sunday evening.
We call again to the WAF. Exactly the same exchange with a different lady at WAF.
Monday morning at 8am. Water is still off from Sunday morning.
A full 24-hour period. The call to WAF is exactly the same. This time the call is answered by a man.
Same excuse, the water reservoir is low.
There was no sign nor hint of a water truck in the area for the full 12hour period until Monday morning.
Suva had rain on Friday. It rained all day Saturday until Sunday morning.
The weather report says rain for the next few days.
And for WAF, the reservoir will remain low.
WAF can also mean Weight-watchers Authority of Fiji. No water, no eating. Euthanasia activists can also flock to Fiji.
Studies have shown that without water for a full 7-day period a person can die.
No laws broken. Just a low reservoir problem.
EPELI RABUA
Suva
Nadi bougainvilleas
IN the public interest, it is only fitting and proper we be kept well informed. Who was “contracted” to supply these expensive bougainvilleas?
In acceptable hindsight, simple miniature and low maintenance plants would have sufficed.
The costs of constant pruning of these expensive road median “bushes” is a huge burden for our cash-strapped council. Needless wastage of finances! RONNIE CHANG
Martintar, Nadi