More than 300,000 residents in the area from Nausori to Lami have been facing inconsistent water supply for the last two weeks due to heavy rainfall and flooding that have disrupted local water systems. The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) has issued advisories urging residents in Central Eastern Fiji to prepare for possible further water interruptions as adverse weather continues to affect service reliability.

The situation has generated considerable frustration among residents, many of whom feel that WAF has been slow to resolve the ongoing issues. Peni Shute, acting manager for communications and stakeholder engagement at WAF, stated that they have been proactive in communicating the reasons for the water shortages and providing assistance through water carting. Shute emphasized that heavy rain has significantly strained operations at the Tamavua treatment plant, leading to decreased production capacity.

As heavy rains impact water systems by blocking intake, reducing reservoir levels, and increasing water turbidity due to debris, residents are advised to store enough water to last 2-3 days. WAF also encourages those in need of water delivery assistance to contact their national call center at 5777 or 3346777 for coordination. It’s important to note that the current service interruptions are not intentional but rather a result of the prevailing natural conditions.

This ongoing crisis underlines the critical need for substantial improvements to the water supply infrastructure, which has been under pressure for some time. The challenges faced by WAF highlight the importance of collaboration amongst government agencies, community leaders, and residents to create enduring solutions.

Despite these difficulties, the resilience and determination of the local community shine through. With proactive measures, ongoing cooperation, and preparation, there is hope for a more reliable water supply system in the future, ultimately improving the living conditions of the affected residents.

In summary, the water supply challenges facing the Nausori to Lami region due to heavy rainfall emphasize the importance of community preparedness and infrastructure improvements. While frustrations are high, there is potential for positive change through collective efforts and effective management by the Water Authority of Fiji.