Some children in Saru, Lautoka, have missed school several times because their families are struggling to get enough water to wash their uniforms as water shortages continue to affect the area.
Speaking to fijivillage News, Saru resident Razia Bi says her family collects water from the river for daily chores and buys drinking water.
Bi says she has to prioritise water for other essential needs, leaving her unable to wash her children’s school uniforms at times.
Insert: Hindi Bi on water stortage 26th Oct
She adds that some employers have allowed workers to wear clothes other than their usual uniforms due to the water shortage.
Bi says vegetable prices have also increased over time.
She says livestock farmers are taking their cows and goats closer to rivers to ensure they have enough water to survive.
Bi is calling on the Water Authority of Fiji to ensure a reliable water supply and send water trucks to affected areas.
Meanwhile, Ravneel Kumar of Tavakubu says water supply was restored in his area over the weekend, but the water pressure remains very low.
Kumar says there has also been an increase in bushfire cases due to the dry weather.
He is also requesting that the government assist them with water tanks to help meet their water needs during supply disruptions.
WAF says they are working with their operational teams in the West.
They are yet to respond to further questions.
