The Minister for Public Works, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, emphasized that water scarcity is a significant concern in the country, which the Coalition Government is dedicated to addressing comprehensively. In his remarks in Parliament, Tuisawau highlighted that the challenges go beyond infrastructure issues and also encompass the impacts of climate change and periods of drought.
The Minister outlined that the Government has implemented several measures to mitigate these challenges. Among the initiatives announced were water rationing and scheduling programs designed to help communities cope with water shortages.
He noted the introduction of free water tank schemes, which have been distributed to various rural and affected areas, indicating that this program remains available for those in need. Tuisawau explained that this initiative helps residents store water during times of scarcity. Additionally, the construction of temporary cofferdams has been initiated as a further short-term solution. He stated that these efforts are part of ongoing work that includes both immediate responses and long-term strategies to secure water resources.