Thousands of residents in the Suva and Nausori regions are currently experiencing low to intermittent water supply. The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) has attributed the disruption to a power outage at the Waila Raw Water Pump Station, along with a fault at the main circuit breaker that has rendered all five raw water pumps inoperable. Additionally, the standby generator has also failed, leading to a complete halt in raw water pumping operations.
As a result, the inflow of raw water into the Waila Water Treatment Plant has been drastically reduced, severely affecting water production. Consequently, this disruption has led to low inflows and dwindling water levels in various reservoirs linked to the Waila system.
WAF has mobilized its mechanical and electrical teams to diagnose and rectify the faults affecting the pump station’s operations. Once these issues are addressed, water production will begin to recover, and residents can expect gradual restoration of supply starting later this evening.
Specific areas impacted include:
– **Wainibuku Reservoir:** Low pressure affecting elevated areas in Nakasi, Davuilevu, Makoi, Nepani, Navosai, Narere, Koronivia Road, and Koronivia School.
– **Tovata Reservoir:** Significantly low or no water in elevated areas such as Upper Makoi, Kaliveitau, and various neighborhoods along Tovata Road.
– **Kalabu Reservoir:** Low pressure in elevated zones including Duvula, Nawanawa, Valelevu, and Yasiyasi Road.
– **Nasinu Reservoir:** Low pressure to no water in high areas like PRB, Vasant Lal, Bryce, Tulele, and Kaloa.
– **Flagstaff Reservoir:** Low to no water supply affecting elevated areas such as Allaydice, Domain, and McGregor Road.
– **Upper Tovata System including Nagatugatu Reservoir:** Low pressure or no water in areas like Wrong Turn and Upper Khalsa.
The situation echoes previous challenges faced by WAF, including mechanical failures that have disrupted water supply in the past, as seen when a malfunction at the Savura Raw Water Pump Station caused similar issues. In those instances, the authority was able to implement water carting services to ensure that essential needs were met for affected residents.
WAF is dedicated to closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as necessary. Meanwhile, residents are encouraged to conserve water and store supplies for essential needs during this interruption. Despite the challenges, the commitment shown by WAF ensures a hopeful outlook for resolution and the importance of community cooperation in overcoming these difficulties.
Leave a comment