Six out of fifteen water sources in the Western Division are currently at critical levels due to dry weather conditions. This was brought to attention by the Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services, and Transport, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, during a parliamentary session earlier this month.
The affected water sources include Narara Dam, Nakasia, Nalau, Nasici, Balevuto, Waiwai, Varaciva, Vareqe, Vaturu, and Sigatoka. The critical sources identified are Narara, Nakasia, Balevuto, Babau, and Varaqe.
Additionally, the Central Division’s Tamavua System on Princes Road is experiencing issues, impacting the water supply in Tovata, Deuba, Navua, Korovou, and Vunidawa. In the Northern Division, regions such as Taganikula, Vunika, Nabouwalu, Bulileka, Dreketi, and Seaqaqa are also affected.
In response to the water scarcity, the Minister has announced that mitigation measures and immediate actions have been initiated. This includes the implementation of water rationing and scheduling programs to help communities manage the water shortages in these areas.
Furthermore, the free Water Tank Scheme has been activated to provide assistance to rural and affected areas, allowing residents to store water during shortages.
Temporary measures, such as the construction of temporary cofferdams, have been established in several locations, including Varaciva, Nadrou, and Qalau in the Western Division, as well as in the Waimanu intake in the Central Division.
The government continues to promote public awareness about the need to conserve water amid the ongoing dry weather conditions.