Residents of the Matanikoro Settlement in Wainibuku, Nausori, have expressed deep frustration over the ongoing lack of piped water supply in their area. For many years, the community, which houses around 200 people, has relied solely on rainwater for their daily needs. Viliame Yabaki, a 79-year-old resident who has lived there since 1982, has repeatedly sought assistance from local authorities but feels his appeals have gone unheeded.
“I have been to the authorities so many times in the past, but it has never been looked at seriously,” Mr. Yabaki lamented, emphasizing the unfulfilled promises made by various governments over the years. He shared that while the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) placed a tank in the settlement, it quickly runs out, exacerbating their water shortages.
Atelaite Savou, a 34-year-old resident, echoed these concerns, mentioning that when their water tanks run dry, they often have to wait extended periods for the authorities to refill them. “What makes it more frustrating is that there’s a water pump located just across Matanikoro Rd, yet we have no water connection,” said another resident, Seta, highlighting the irony of having a water source nearby but being unable to access it.
The struggle for a reliable water supply in Matanikoro resonates with similar situations in other parts of Fiji, where communities are also facing significant water shortages. In places like Khalsa Rd in Suva, residents have reported ongoing water issues for nearly two years, with worsening conditions placing additional strain on families, especially those with children. Like Matanikoro, many households are now dependent on rainwater, which is also dwindling.
This collective experience underscores a critical need for improved infrastructure and support from the Water Authority of Fiji. As seen in various regions, local authorities are being urged to take decisive action to address these fundamental needs. Minister for Public Works, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, has announced infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing water supply reliability across the Suva-Nausori corridor, bringing hope for communities facing similar issues.
While the situation remains challenging for Matanikoro residents, there is a rising awareness and urgency surrounding their plight, which could lead to positive changes in addressing these water supply challenges in the near future. The community’s perseverance in advocating for their rights to a basic necessity like water reflects a shared resilience that could inspire wider reforms across affected areas.
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