Navua Hospital has been experiencing a water supply disruption for the past three days. Sub Divisional Medical Officer (SDMO) Dr. Kapil Swamy stated that the hospital has struggled with water issues since Monday, but has been providing bottled drinking water and bathing water for patients.
Felichya Kayes, secretary of the Navua Hospital Board of Directors, noted that the water shortage has persisted for months, affecting not only the hospital but also local hotels and businesses. She mentioned that the hospital is coordinating with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MOHMS) to secure water for both patients and staff.
The Ministry reported that water trucks arrived at the hospital yesterday afternoon to replenish two 10,000-litre tanks. Local resident Ramesh Prasad commented that the water supply has been “poor” for several months, leading many to rely on water tanks. He expressed concern about the situation, emphasizing the essential nature of water for everyone.
The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) confirmed intermittent water supply issues in the greater Navua area. The latest update revealed that production from the Wainikavika raw water source was critically low due to high demand. WAF’s acting chief operating officer, Samuela Rokovaleusa, explained that the authority had to implement water rationing through carting services in the Navua water supply system to help rebuild water levels.
Kameli Ledua, WAF’s Navua water production supervisor, attributed the water shortage to prolonged dry conditions, stating that the Wainikavika dam is facing a lack of water. He highlighted the need for significant rainfall in the coming days to replenish the dam, urging community members to use water judiciously during this challenging period.