Residents of Tacirua Heights are expressing their frustration over the frequent water supply interruptions they have faced over the years. Vueti Maraiwai, a resident and owner of Maraiwai Stores, stated that the unstable water supply has significantly impacted their daily lives, making it feel like a regular occurrence.
Maraiwai highlighted the difficulties posed by the inconsistent water availability, particularly regarding sanitation and food preparation. He mentioned that during prolonged water outages, he often has to send his three employees home due to the lack of water needed for their work.
To cope with the situation, Maraiwai noted that water tanks only provide temporary relief, as there are extended periods when the water supply is entirely cut off.
Peni Shute, a communications officer from the Water Authority of Fiji, mentioned that efforts are ongoing to improve water delivery to elevated areas like Tacirua Heights. He advised residents to store water in tanks as a precaution.
Shute explained that the elevated location causes issues during times when the water reservoir levels drop, resulting in the area facing the earliest supply problems. He urged residents to invest in water storage solutions and be prepared for deliveries from water trucks. He acknowledged that these challenges are likely to persist until the Viria system can be connected to enhance the water supply.