Over 300,000 residents from Nausori to Lami have encountered inconsistent water supply for the last two weeks, primarily due to heavy rainfall and flooding disrupting local water systems. The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) has issued advisories, alerting Central Eastern Fiji residents to brace for further potential interruptions as adverse weather conditions persist.

Frustration among the public has escalated, with many residents feeling that WAF has not sufficiently addressed the ongoing issues. Peni Shute, the acting manager for communications and stakeholder engagement at WAF, assures residents that the organization is working diligently to communicate the reasons behind these disruptions while providing water carting assistance to those in need. He explained that heavy rains have significantly strained operations at the Tamavua treatment plant, stating, “Whenever there’s heavy rain, it’ll strain our treatment plant.”

Heavy rainfall complicates water supply by obstructing intake systems, lowering reservoir levels, and increasing turbidity as floodwaters carry dirt and debris into raw water sources. Residents have been advised to store enough water to last 2-3 days as they navigate these challenges. WAF encourages anyone needing immediate assistance to contact their national call center at 5777 or landline 3346777 for coordination of water delivery trucks. Mr. Shute reassured the community that current service interruptions are not deliberate, stating, “it’s not because we are purposefully turning off the lines.”

The persistent water supply issues underscore the pressing need for substantial improvements in water infrastructure, which has faced increased demands for some time. The resilience shown by the community in these trying times is noteworthy, and collective efforts among government agencies, community leaders, and residents will be crucial in addressing these ongoing challenges.

Despite the current difficulties, there remains hope for a more reliable water supply system in the future. With proactive measures and cooperative efforts, local residents can see substantial progress in restoring water supply stability and improving their quality of life. Continuous communication and awareness will be key to effectively navigating and addressing these temporary disruptions.