The people of Yasawa-i-Rara are feeling the impact of the prolonged dry weather being experienced in the country, with Yasawa-i-Rara villager Mosese Kania saying they have noticed that fish are no longer found in their usual fishing areas and their crops are not growing well.
Speaking with fijivillage News in Yasawa-i-Rara, Kania says the prolonged dry weather has affected the growth of their farm crops.
He says fishermen have also noticed that fish have moved away from their usual areas in search of cooler waters.
He also highlights the challenges villagers are facing regarding water and electricity supply on the island.
On the issue of water, Kania says the government has been carrying out several development projects on the island, such as pumping water from boreholes.
However, he says they have noticed that water from the boreholes tastes like seawater due to the prolonged dry weather.
He adds that they believe their boreholes are contaminated with seawater.
Kania also acknowledges government assistance in providing solar power systems to some homes in Yasawa-i-Rara.
However, he says some of these systems stop working after one or two years due to damage to the panels or batteries and exposure to winds from the sea.
He adds that they have raised these issues with the government, which has provided assistance, but Kania says the assistance does not fully address the problems they face on the island.
Questions have been sent to Minister for Maritime and Rural Development and Disaster Management Mosese Bulitavu.
