Navua Hospital has experienced a water shortage for the past three days. Sub Divisional Medical Officer (SDMO) Dr. Kapil Swamy noted that since Monday, the hospital has been dealing with this disruption, but patients have been provided with bottled drinking water and bathing water.
Felichya Kayes, secretary of the Navua Hospital Board of Directors, mentioned that the water issues have persisted for months, affecting not only the hospital but also local hotels and businesses. She highlighted the hospital’s collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MOHMS) to ensure a water supply for patients and staff.
According to the ministry, water trucks were present at the hospital yesterday afternoon, delivering water to fill two 10,000-litre tanks. Local resident Ramesh Prasad remarked on the generally poor water supply over the last few months, noting that many residents are relying on water tanks. He emphasized the essential nature of water and expressed hope for improvements in the situation.
The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) confirmed that water supply in the greater Navua area has been intermittent. The latest update indicated that production from the Wainikavika raw water source was critically low due to high demand. WAF acting chief operating officer Samuela Rokovaleusa stated that they have been forced to ration water through carting services to ensure equitable distribution among customers in the Navua water supply system.
WAF Navua water production supervisor Kameli Ledua cited a lack of rainfall as a significant factor in the shortage, as the Wainikavika dam faces water deficiency. He noted that drought conditions are making the situation challenging and expressed hope for heavy rain in the coming days to replenish the dam. In the meantime, he urged residents to use water wisely during this period.