Vatutavui Village headman Niko Sucuvakaivalu has strongly refuted allegations that he prevented the Water Authority of Fiji from delivering water to the village without consulting residents. The village, situated three to four kilometers from Tavua and home to approximately 500 families, has recently faced scrutiny concerning its water supply management.
The controversy arose after Kirikiti Biu, president of the village’s drinking water committee, expressed concerns that the only available water source was over 1.5 kilometers away, making it difficult for community members—especially children—to fetch water or wash clothes. However, Sucuvakaivalu clarified that he had halted the water carting services because the village already benefits from a solar-powered borehole established by the government in 2019.
“We don’t have any water issues here; we have sufficient sources such as the borehole,” Sucuvakaivalu asserted. He emphasized that should a serious water crisis occur, he would promptly inform the government.
While villagers had considered a proposal to fund and lay water pipes connecting homes to the main borehole, they later declined, preferring instead to maintain a reliance on existing resources. The village leader pointed out that the government had authorized the subcontracting of water delivery trucks at a rate of $75 per hour, making two to three trips daily to provide support.
“I informed this water committee that the funds for this initiative were available; they just needed to take action, but they chose not to,” he remarked. He underscored the importance of community self-sufficiency, stressing, “We must work for what we want; we cannot constantly rely on government assistance.”
Despite inquiries sent to Transport and Public Works Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau and the Water Authority of Fiji, no responses have been received, leaving the villagers seeking clarity amid ongoing discussions about water supply management.
The situation in Vatutavui is part of a wider context, as many communities in Fiji grapple with similar water supply issues, reflecting the urgent need for improved infrastructure and sustainable solutions to ensure access to clean water. Recent reports indicate that regions like Tavua and Tamavua have encountered consistent challenges in their water supply, highlighting a broader crisis that affects daily life.
In light of the ongoing struggles, there are anticipated infrastructure upgrades that may bring hope for communities facing such challenges. These initiatives aim to enhance water supply reliability and could lead to significant improvements in the quality of life for residents across various affected areas.
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