Residents living along the Mua-Wiwi corridor, particularly in Naselesele Village on Taveuni, are facing a significant water crisis, having gone four consecutive days without water. This prolonged dry spell has created a serious threat to public health, hygiene, and daily life, according to resident Marisiale Tale, who expressed deep concerns over the situation.
The lack of reliable water access has escalated from being merely inconvenient to posing severe risks, with families struggling to maintain basic hygiene practices crucial for their well-being. Despite residents voicing their frustrations and calling for urgent assistance from local authorities, Mr. Tale reports that their pleas have met only with broken promises. He adds that although they were assured of supplementary water carting services, these did not materialize, leaving many families in elevated areas feeling neglected.
Mr. Tale criticized the temporary solutions of water carting, which he deems unsustainable and costly. He emphasized the urgent need for long-term infrastructure investment rather than more temporary fixes. The local community is calling for immediate intervention and transparent measures to resolve this breakdown in supply. “We demand a reliable service, and our community is tired of waiting for water that never arrives,” he stated.
Moreover, the ongoing water shortages have disrupted educational activities in the region, forcing schools in the North to cut classes short due to inadequate water availability. Ronald Krishna, the divisional education officer, confirmed that some schools have only operated half days, prioritizing the safety and well-being of students. Mr. Tale indicated that Naselesele Primary School recently closed at midday due to the ongoing crisis, leaving students and their families grappling with the consequences of dwindling resources.
The water crisis affecting Naselesele Village mirrors similar challenges experienced by communities across Fiji, such as those in Khalsa Road, Suva, where prolonged water shortages have significantly disrupted daily living and education. Titilia Kete, a resident from Naidiri Settlement, echoed these concerns, highlighting how families struggle with basic health and hygiene due to ongoing water issues that have persisted for years.
Residents remain hopeful that through proactive measures and improved communication from authorities, solutions will emerge that ensure sustainable water access for all. Advocacy for better governance and infrastructural resilience is vital as communities like Naselesele aspire to secure the essential resources they need for a healthier and more stable living environment.
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