Residents of Vunikodi in the Macuata district are enduring ongoing struggles to secure clean and reliable water, despite funding allegedly set aside for this issue. Villager Josaia Waqanivalu expressed his frustration, noting that the problem has been repeatedly raised at district and provincial gatherings without any tangible results. The village lacks a regular water supply, relying heavily on rainwater stored in tanks for their daily needs such as cooking and drinking.
Waqanivalu recounted the challenges faced during prolonged dry spells, stating, “When there is a water crisis, we write to the commissioner’s office to request water carting services.” He explained that his community often goes weeks without rainfall, exacerbating the difficulty of daily life. Many residents collect water from tanks and use it for washing dishes and clothes, but these efforts often do not meet their needs.
Attempts to garner comment from Northern Commissioner Uraia Rainima on this pressing issue were unsuccessful. The situation in Vunikodi reflects challenges similar to those faced by other villages in the region, such as Qaranivai and Tamavua, where residents have also reported inadequate water supplies and delays in government responses to their requests for assistance.
In light of these circumstances, there is a call for urgent intervention to improve infrastructure and access to reliable water sources for these communities. While the ongoing struggles are disheartening, efforts for advocacy and resolution remain strong, with hopes that authorities will eventually take the necessary steps to alleviate the water crisis afflicting Vunikodi and surrounding areas. Improved access to clean water is essential for the health and wellbeing of these communities, and stakeholders continue to seek solutions.
Overall, the community’s perseverance in the face of adversity and their collective call for support highlight the crucial need for timely action and sustainability in water management in the region.
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