The drought affecting the Western division is now having serious consequences on people’s daily lives with many not able to make a living from their cash crops.
Jasma Wati of Kashmir, Lautoka, told Fijivillage they have elderly people and young children in their family and the situation is getting worse.
Naushad Ali of Meigunyah, Nadi, said they are praying for rain everyday as their fasting month of Ramadhan continues.
And people in the rural areas in Tavua are now concerned that all their water sources are drying up and people are finding difficulties in looking after their cattle.
A 56-year-old farmer of Tagitagi, Tavua, Saiyed Hussein said since most of the people in the rural areas are relying on crops to meet their daily needs, majority of the vegetables they have planted have been completely destroyed.
Fijivillage also spoke to a sugarcane farmer of Lomawai, Sigatoka, Ramesh Kumar who said he has lost most of his crops.
Meanwhile, the Water Authority of Fiji said water trucks are on standby and will be sent out to areas without supply in the Western Division if requested.
WAF Corporate Team Leader Michelle Tevita-Singh said following requests received from 30 villages in Rakiraki that have not been getting water, three trucks have been carting water on a daily basis.
Singh said this also applies for those living outside the Authority's supply network.
She has also stressed that anyone found guilty of tampering with Water Authority property will be liable to a fine of up to $1 million or a jail term of up to 10 years imprisonment.
She said while they understand that consumers will be frustrated with water disruptions, it however does not justify them tampering with meters or hydrants as it can affect their entire system.
Singh goes on to say that filling water from a fire hydrant is also illegal and their officers are always out carrying out random checks, and anyone found doing so will be taken to task.
Story by: Tokasa Rainima & Ana Naisoro
Feature
Drought affecting people’s livelihood
