A village in the northern region has been using untreated water for the past three weeks after their primary water source has become depleted. This water source was previously reliable for providing clean water needed for drinking, cooking, and farming, but extended dry conditions have hindered its capacity to meet the community’s requirements.
Jotame Kacivakawalu from Qaranivai Village in Dogotuki mentioned that the water they currently depend on has begun to emit a bad odor. “This stream is proving to be insufficient for the villagers’ needs. We have to boil the water for hours before we drink it,” he stated. He further noted that not only has the water developed an unpleasant smell, but it also appears to be increasingly contaminated.
Kacivakawalu emphasized the urgent need for government intervention. He explained the difficulty faced by villagers who must walk at least 30 minutes to access this water source, describing the path as challenging. He indicated that approximately 23 households are impacted by this water crisis, expressing concern that if the situation does not improve, they may need to seek help from neighboring villages.
Minister for Rural, Maritime Development and Disaster Management Sakiasi Ditoka acknowledged his awareness of the situation confronting the northern villagers. He mentioned that he had been informed by the Commissioner Northern about the circumstances on the ground.
Kacivakawalu criticized the authorities for failing to respond to their requests for a reliable water supply, stating that the absence of a clear explanation regarding their applications has only added to their frustrations. He pointed out that inadequate infrastructure has resulted in inconsistent access to piped water for all of the 23 homes in Qaranivai Village. “There are also no sufficient storage tanks as we are relying on just one tank,” he remarked.
To address the community’s water infrastructure problems, Kacivakawalu revealed plans for a fundraising initiative. He mentioned that they have identified a new water source that he believes could resolve these longstanding issues, potentially providing a stable water supply to all 23 households in the village.
Commissioner Northern Uraia Rainima has not yet responded to the concerns raised by the villagers.