Vuna villager Sulio Batirerega says the community is mainly relying on rainwater, but prolonged dry conditions have made the situation increasingly difficult.
He says water tanks have been provided to some residents, but these are only useful when there is enough rain to fill them.
Batirerega says the community has faced water problems for decades, with a borehole opened in 1997 no longer working, and a desalination plant installed later also out of operation.
He says the village was eventually connected to another water source, allowing families to install water metres and move from pit toilets to flush toilets, but that source later dried up.
Batirerega says water is delivered to the village when requested, but the amount provided is not enough to meet the needs of the whole community.
He says the Water Authority of Fiji has inspected water sources in the area, but residents have not been informed about the outcome of the assessment or what will happen next.
Batirerega says residents have repeatedly raised the water issue with Government officials over the years, and are still waiting for a long-term solution.
He says residents were told by the Minister for Public Works earlier this year that assistance would be provided through a rural water scheme, with water expected to be connected from Delaivuna and eventually extended to Vuna.
However, Batirerega says residents have not seen any work on the proposed project.
He says the water shortage is also affecting other communities across the Tikina of Vuna, including Nakorovou, Kanacea and Navakawau.
Schools are also carefully managing the water available in their tanks and relying on rainfall as students continue to attend classes.
Batirerega says Vuna has limited alternative water sources, with the existing creek drying up and only filling after heavy rain.
He is calling on the Government to provide a permanent water supply so families are not left dependent on rainfall and water deliveries.
fijivillage News has sent questions to the Ministry of Public Works regarding the residents' concerns and seeking an update on the proposed water supply plans for Vuna.
