Residents of Vatutavui in Tavua are expressing deep dissatisfaction with their headman, Niko Sucuvakaivalu, following a recent ban on water carting services. Locals believe this decision exacerbates their already limited access to water, impacting their daily lives significantly. The village, located about three to four kilometers from Tavua, depends on a solar-powered borehole for its water supply; however, many villagers report irregular distribution, leading to disparities in access.
Ulamila Komaisavai, a 41-year-old villager, raised concerns about families in lower areas of the village. She observed that while households in elevated zones receive daily water, 15 families in low-lying sections struggle to access any water at all. “Some families seem to manipulate the water supply, prioritizing themselves over those who need it more urgently,” she expressed.
Kolaia Nabaro echoed these sentiments, noting that the lack of water is particularly challenging for families with sick members and young children, hindering their ability to maintain hygiene and attend school. Many residents are compelled to walk long distances, sometimes up to thirty minutes, to find alternative water sources for essential needs like bathing.
Local resident Naelesoni Ravato shared his own experience, explaining that with only a quarter of a tank left for his family of six, they are forced to carefully ration their remaining water. “The solar-powered borehole does not provide sufficient pressure; we have requested that electricity be utilized to enhance the flow,” he implored.
Despite their appeals for assistance, both Transport and Public Works Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau and representatives from the Water Authority of Fiji have not yet responded to inquiries about the situation.
This water crisis in Vatutavui reflects a broader challenge faced by various regions in Fiji, including Tamavua and Nagata, where residents are also seeking aid amid similar shortages. These communities struggle with unreliable water supplies, often relying on intermittent water cart services. However, encouraging responses from some government officials suggest that infrastructure improvements are on the horizon in certain areas, aimed at addressing these ongoing issues.
While immediate frustrations about water access persist, the community remains optimistic that forthcoming government initiatives and infrastructure enhancements will lead to a more dependable water supply, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for residents in affected districts.