As communities continue to struggle with water shortages, the Ministry of Finance is looking at options to provide support and reprioritise funding to address the worsening drought situation.
Minister for Public Works Ro Filipe Tuisawau says Cabinet has discussed the drought situation and the need to strengthen the Government's response.
He says the National Disaster Risk Management Office and the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development are also assessing the possibility of declaring a State of National Emergency due to the ongoing drought.
Ro Filipe says the assessment is being carried out under the National Disaster Risk Management Act, which outlines the conditions and different levels for declaring an emergency.
He says these include water scarcity and the conditions faced by affected communities.
Ro Filipe says the assessment is underway, and the relevant authorities will make an announcement when appropriate.
He says El Niño-related drought conditions are expected to peak in December and January, with the situation likely to worsen further.
The Minister says the Water Authority of Fiji is identifying households and communities affected by water shortages in the Western and Northern Divisions, with water being delivered to affected areas through water trucks and tanks.
He says Government efforts are being coordinated through a whole-of-government response involving the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and the National Disaster Risk Management Office.
Ro Filipe says water rationing remains an option as the situation worsens, while Energy Fiji Limited has also announced power rationing.
He is urging the public to be mindful of their water and electricity consumption and make necessary arrangements to manage the situation.
Ro Filipe says families should consider investing in water tanks rather than relying entirely on Government assistance.
He adds that the Government continues to support EFL as declining water levels affect hydroelectricity generation, increasing the need for alternative sources such as fossil fuel-based power generation.
