Water Woes: Labasa Residents Struggle as Students Miss School

Residents of the Bulileka and Boubale districts in Labasa are currently facing a significant water crisis, forcing many students to miss at least three days of school. This ongoing water shortage has affected hundreds of families, who are left to rely on nearby water sources for crucial daily needs such as drinking, bathing, and laundry.

Local resident Arieta Watikona expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF), noting that her family was caught off guard by the water cuts. “There’s been no advisory about why the water has been cut,” she explained. With children preparing for school, families are struggling to conserve water, often relying on just a jug for bathing.

Bindesh Chand, an advisory councillor for Boubale, highlighted that persistent water shortages have long been a problem in the community. He mentioned that residents often must buy water or depend on inadequate supply contracts. “Despite discussions about providing more water tanks, when residents checked, they were told there were none available,” Chand lamented.

The situation has raised serious health concerns, particularly with fears of increasing dengue fever cases due to the lack of access to clean water. With a spike in dengue infections reported nearby, residents are increasingly worried about the health risks associated with using contaminated water sources. “No government ministers have visited to address our concerns,” Chand remarked, underscoring the community’s feeling of neglect.

Questions sent to WAF regarding the complaints and the lack of service remained unanswered. This inaction echoes similar situations across Fiji, where communities, such as those on Khalsa Road in Suva, report prolonged water shortages affecting daily life and children’s education.

The hope is for government intervention and increased efforts to establish better water management. Strengthening infrastructure and improving communication can lead to enhanced health outcomes and community resilience in the long run. Residents continue to advocate diligently for solutions, showing that together, they can strive for improvements essential for their well-being and daily living.