Dreketi Villagers Take Matters Into Their Own Hands for Safe Water

Valelawa villagers in Dreketi, Vanua Levu, have faced a troubling reality, lacking access to safe drinking water for the past eight years, exacerbated by a nearby village’s decision to cut off their metered supply. Resident Sonam Devi recounted the community’s reliance on bottled and bucketed water sourced from safer locations, while local springs and creeks have proven unsuitable for drinking due to safety concerns.

Ms. Devi revealed that their only means for cleaning and household chores is the creek water, as they are compelled to travel to Labasa when government deliveries run out. Despite their earnest attempts to raise concerns, those pleas have largely gone ignored, leaving residents feeling helpless.

Recently, a non-governmental organization has stepped in to assist the community by providing resources for the digging of a borehole, aimed at establishing a more reliable water source. Recognizing that waiting on governmental action is no longer viable, the villagers are taking proactive steps toward solving their water crisis.

This situation is reminiscent of ongoing water challenges faced by many communities in Fiji, including Vatudova, where residents have lacked reliable piped water supplies for decades. These communities echo similar sentiments of frustration, as efforts to communicate their distress to government authorities often yield little to no feedback.

Recent infrastructure plans unveiled by the government promise hope, as significant upgrades to water supplies are slated to take place in underserved areas. Communities like Vatudova are looking forward to these changes, which include the construction of a new water pump station and the extension of water mains, which aim to improve overall access.

Although the struggle for adequate drinking water remains daunting for Villagers in Dreketi and various other regions, there’s a sense of determination and resilience among the residents as they seek to address their needs. There’s hope that with increased awareness and proposed infrastructural improvements, all affected areas will soon have reliable access to safe drinking water.