A village in the northern region has been relying on untreated water for three weeks after their main water source ran dry. This source formerly provided a consistent supply of clean water for drinking, cooking, and farming, but ongoing dry conditions have limited its effectiveness.
Jotame Kacivakawalu from Qaranivai Village in Dogotuki reported that the water from the remaining stream has begun to emit a foul odor. “This stream is proving inadequate for the villagers’ needs. We must boil the water for hours before we can drink it,” he stated. He added that the water not only smells bad but also seems increasingly contaminated.
Mr. Kacivakawalu called for urgent action from the government, highlighting that villagers have to trek for at least 30 minutes to access this water source, which is not an easy path. At least 23 households are facing challenges due to the water crisis. “If this continues, we will have to seek help from neighboring villages,” he warned.
The Minister for Rural, Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Sakiasi Ditoka, acknowledged awareness of the villagers’ situation. He indicated he had received updates from the Commissioner Northern regarding the conditions on the ground.
According to Mr. Kacivakawalu, the situation has worsened due to authorities not addressing the villagers’ requests for a reliable water source. He expressed frustration over the lack of clear communication from the authorities concerning their applications. Furthermore, he noted that inadequate infrastructure means not all 23 homes in Qaranivai have reliable access to piped water, as they are dependent on just one storage tank.
To tackle their water infrastructure challenges, the community is planning a fundraiser. “We have identified a new water source that I believe will solve these long-standing problems,” Mr. Kacivakawalu explained, stating that this source could supply water to all homes in the village.
The Commissioner Northern, Uraia Rainima, has not yet addressed the concerns raised by the villagers.