Residents in Delainavesi and Lami, Fiji, are voicing their frustration over ongoing and severe water supply issues that have persisted for years. Mosese Koroi, a long-time resident, highlighted this struggle, emphasizing the impact of daily water cuts on his community. “We’ve sort of changed our normal way of living, getting up early in the mornings to do our chores,” he shared, noting that water in Lami is available only between 3am and 8am. This forces families to wake up at inconvenient hours to fill up containers and attend to essential household tasks.
Koroi also pointed out the financial burden posed by these shortages, explaining that more expended resources, such as money to purchase water tanks, could have been saved had a regular water supply been maintained. Other locals, including Natasha Ben, owner of Vishas Mini Mart, have echoed similar sentiments, stating that they share their stored water with neighbors while also losing precious time managing water filling during odd hours.
The Minister for Public Works, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, acknowledged these long-standing issues affecting Lami, Delainavesi, and nearby areas, stating that while the situation might seem chaotic, the government is working toward sustainable long-term solutions. He stressed the necessity for patience as initiatives like the construction of the Viria Water Treatment Plant – aimed to add considerable daily capacity to the drinking water supply – are underway.
In recent years, other communities similarly affected, such as Tamavua and Namadi, have often reported prolonged water outages despite adverse weather conditions, contributing to a rising sense of urgency among residents for effective resolutions. This collective hardship has placed increased pressure on the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF), which has faced public criticism for inadequate communication and support in managing persistent supply disruptions.
Despite this turmoil, there remains a glimmer of hope for affected residents as infrastructural upgrades are being prioritized, which aim to alleviate these ongoing issues. The commitment to improving service reliability might pave the way toward a solution, fostering a brighter future where access to clean and reliable water is not a struggle, but a given for all communities.
The resilience of residents amidst these challenges remains commendable, reflecting a hopeful anticipation for improved services in the years ahead.
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