The people of Taveuni are feeling the impact of the prolonged dry weather conditions affecting the country, with Ura Estate Manager Waisea Railumu warning that they could completely run out of water within two weeks if the dry conditions continue.
Speaking to fijivillage News, Railumu says 26 workers at the estate have been told to stay home until further notice, and work has stopped since the beginning of this month.
He says the dry and hot conditions continue to affect water supplies and the growth of dalo, yaqona and coconuts that families depend on for their livelihoods.
The estate, which is owned by Winsam Investment and located near Vuna, supports more than 200 people living in and around the area, including workers and their families.
Railumu says the community mainly relies on rainwater and a small water source at Ura for drinking and cooking. However, the same water source is also needed for farming, and its level continues to drop.
He says families are closely monitoring the situation, while their water tanks are currently empty and will only be replenished if there is enough rain.
Railumu says they now have to travel into the interior of Taveuni to collect water from another creek for their farms, with each trip costing around $300.
He says the dry conditions are already affecting dalo and yaqona plants, while coconut trees are producing fewer coconuts.
Railumu says these crops are a major source of income for the estate, its workers and their families.
He says when production drops, business slows down, leaving the estate with little choice but to stop work and send workers home.
Railumu says the situation could become more serious if there is no significant rainfall soon, warning that they could completely run out of water if the dry conditions continue for another two weeks.
He is calling for assistance as workers and their families wait for much-needed rain.
fijivillage News is also awaiting a response from the relevant government authorities on when people affected by the dry conditions in Taveuni can expect assistance.
26 Ura Estate workers sent home as dry weather threatens water supply
