In Suva, the ongoing disruptions to water supply are significantly impacting students and their families, forcing many to miss school. One such student, Jone Veikauyaki from Delainavesi, is struggling due to recent water outages in his neighborhood. His father, Yate Veikauyaki, expressed deep concern over the effect of these frequent shortages on children’s education, stating, “We just have some water left for drinking.” This highlights the severity of their situation as basic daily needs become challenging to meet.
Mr. Veikauyaki elaborated on the family’s plight, mentioning that they are struggling to maintain household cleanliness and manage laundry. He noted, “Clothes have piled up, dishes are not washed, and our toilets are uncleaned,” indicating how difficult it has become to send their children to school. The family’s reliance on rainwater has depleted, exacerbating their challenges.
Similarly, Sera Ralawa, a student at Dudley High School from Lami Village, has also missed school due to water issues affecting her home. Her brother, Sefanaia Jitoko, shared that their household, consisting of 15 individuals, is facing similar frustrations. He remarked on the long-standing nature of these water shortages, indicating that they are not a new problem for the community.
This situation reflects a broader crisis affecting many in the Suva area. Residents, including those in neighborhoods like Khalsa Road, have been vocal about water shortages that have persisted for nearly two years. Families are deeply concerned about the impact on their children’s health and education stemming from the lack of access to clean water, which hampers essential tasks like laundry and sanitation.
Despite these ongoing challenges, there is a glimmer of hope as community members are actively seeking solutions and advocating for improvements from local authorities. The Water Authority of Fiji has been urged to enhance communication and manage water supplies more effectively, assuring residents that the situation is being monitored closely. This proactive approach from the community signifies their determination to collaboratively address these persistent issues, emphasizing the necessity of accountability and timely government responses.
Improving infrastructure and ensuring reliable access to water services is crucial not only for alleviating current hardships but also for paving the way for a brighter future for the affected children. By uniting and raising their voices, residents are advocating for changes that could ultimately improve their quality of life in the long term.
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