Six out of the 15 water sources in the Western Division are currently at critical levels due to ongoing dry weather conditions. Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services, and Transport, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, made this announcement in Parliament earlier this month.
The 15 affected water sources include Narara Dam, Nakasia, Nalau, Nasici, Balevuto, Waiwai, Varaciva, Vareqe, Vaturu, and Sigatoka. The most critical sources among these are identified as Narara, Nakasia, Balevuto, Babau, and Varaqe.
Additionally, the Central Division’s Tamavua System on Princes Road has also been affected, impacting areas such as Tovata, Deuba, Navua, Korovou, and Vunidawa. In the Northern Division, locations experiencing water shortages include Taganikula, Vunika, Nabouwalu, Bulileka, Dreketi, and Seaqaqa.
Minister Tuisawau mentioned that measures have been implemented to address these challenges. Water rationing and scheduled distribution programs have been introduced to help communities cope with the shortages. He also highlighted the Free Water Tank Scheme, which is active in rural and affected areas, allowing residents to store water during shortages.
As part of the immediate actions taken, temporary cofferdams have been constructed in the Western Division at Varaciva, Nadrou, and Qalau, as well as at the Waimanu intake in the Central Division. Public awareness initiatives are ongoing to encourage water conservation in light of the dry conditions.