Villagers Demand $10 Million: Water Crisis Threatens Lives

Residents of Vuniniudrovu village in Naitasiri have issued a demand to the Government for a timely response regarding their claims for $10 million in compensation for alleged pollution issues linked to the Waimanu River. According to a report from May 1997, the villagers assert that waste from the Waila Treatment Plant is compromising the river’s health.

In response to their concerns, approximately 100 villagers protested outside the Nausori facility, bearing signs that expressed their worries, such as: “Please do not pollute our fishing grounds” and “Your chemicals are killing the innocent natives of Fiji.” The villagers contend that the discharge from the treatment plant is directly impacting their livelihoods by damaging aquatic life, which in turn affects their fishing activities and overall income.

Village spokesman Ratu Meli Tunisau highlighted the severe repercussions of the contaminated water, which he claims has led to financial distress for many families reliant on local fishing yields. He revealed that villagers had previously reached out to the Public Works Department but had yet to see any substantial action taken.

Ratu Meli cautioned that a lack of engagement from the government could lead them to pursue legal action to compel the closure of the treatment plant, which would subsequently disrupt water supply in the larger Suva region. Although the land on which the treatment plant operates does not belong to the villagers, they remain deeply concerned about the environmental impact on the river.

Moreover, in a letter addressed to the Ministry of Infrastructure, the villagers presented evidence they claim points to an uptick in skin diseases among locals who have been exposed to the river water.

This situation draws attention to the critical balance between infrastructure needs and community health, emphasizing the need for the government to address environmental concerns proactively. The hopeful angle here is that through dialogue and cooperation, a solution can be reached that not only safeguards the villagers’ health and livelihoods but also ensures responsible operation of local facilities.