Villagers from Vatutavui in Tavua are expressing their frustration towards their headman, Niko Sucuvakaivalu, over the recent ban on water carting services, a decision that locals feel exacerbates their already limited access to water. The village, situated about three to four kilometers outside Tavua, relies on a solar-powered borehole for their water supply. However, many residents report that the distribution of water is uneven, with some families receiving regular access while others endure prolonged periods without water.
Ulamila Komaisavai, a 41-year-old villager, has voiced concerns that families located in lower areas of the village often do not receive water, finding the situation increasingly dire. “Houses in elevated areas have daily access, while 15 families in low-lying sections struggle to get water at all,” she lamented. Komaisavai accused some families of manipulating the water supply, taking priority over those who are in greater need.
The plight is shared by Kolaia Nabaro, who highlighted that the lack of water is affecting families with sick members and young children, complicating their ability to maintain hygiene and attend school. He pointed out that some residents have resorted to walking long distances, sometimes taking up to thirty minutes to find alternate water sources for basic needs like bathing.
In addition, local resident Naelesoni Ravato mentioned that with only a quarter of a tank left for his family of six, they are rationing their water carefully. “There isn’t enough pressure from the solar-powered borehole; we have requested that electricity be used instead to enhance the flow,” he said.
Despite repeated attempts for comment, both the Transport and Public Works Minister, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, and representatives of the Water Authority of Fiji have yet to respond to inquiries regarding the matter.
The water crisis facing Vatutavui highlights a broader issue seen in various regions across Fiji, such as the areas of Tamavua and Nagata, where residents have also been appealing for water assistance amidst similar shortages. Like Vatutavui, these communities face significant struggles with unreliable water supply, often resorting to water cart services that are intermittently conducted. However, positive responses from some government officials indicate that infrastructure improvements are underway in certain areas to combat these ongoing challenges.
While frustrations run high over immediate access to water, communities remain hopeful that government interventions and infrastructure enhancements will lead to a more reliable supply of clean water in the future, improving the quality of life for those in affected districts.