On the front page of The Fiji Times for Monday, October 21, two significant stories stand out. British High Commissioner to Fiji, Brian Jones, stated that children born today will encounter two to seven times the extreme weather events experienced by their grandparents. He emphasized this point during the announcement of Fiji’s COP29 delegation in Suva, referencing the Save the Children Report titled “Born Into the Climate Crisis.”
In a second notable development, the Fijian government has approved the write-off of $200.2 million owed by the Fiji Sugar Corporation, a decision made by the Cabinet on July 15, 2024.
In another discussion, the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) is actively working to restore water supply in the upper Khalsa areas of Suva, following reports of prolonged water cuts affecting residents. WAF’s acting manager for communications, Peni Shute, explained that restoring water supply to elevated areas typically takes several days. He highlighted the need to replenish reservoir levels, which have been drawn down as residents filled their storage when the water supply was briefly restored.
Water cuts began due to heavy rainfall and a malfunction in one of the clarifier gearboxes at the Tamavua Water Treatment Plant, compounded by increased turbidity levels from ongoing rain, delaying water treatment and production.
WAF’s response has been noted as positive, with ongoing water carting services to support affected areas. Clear communication from authorities is essential to mitigate speculation and frustration among residents when challenges arise.
Water supply consistency remains a critical concern, as residents deserve clean water whenever they turn on their taps. The impact of water cuts extends to daily life, creating inconveniences such as sanitation issues and unwashed laundry.
There is collective frustration over the inconsistent water supply, and it raises questions about planning in response to population growth over the decades. While improvements are underway, there remains a pressing need for sustainable, non-disruptive solutions to the ongoing water supply challenges faced by many families. Effective communication continues to be pivotal in addressing these real issues on the ground.