Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has raised concerns about the quality of tap water in his village, saying access to clean and safe drinking water is a basic need, not a privilege.
Rabuka says two bottles of water were collected from taps at his village home yesterday, with the first showing the water as it came from the tap and the second collected after allowing the water to run for about 30 minutes.
He says the water remained muddy even after 30 minutes, raising concerns for families, particularly schoolchildren.
As a temporary precaution, Rabuka says he has asked parents at the village school to provide green coconuts for children and school staff on school days while efforts are made to address the water quality concern.
He acknowledges that his village is not the only community facing water challenges, with families across Fiji also struggling with the effects of prolonged dry conditions.
Rabuka says he wants to hear about these challenges, whether they come from his own village or the most remote communities in Fiji.
He stresses that every community deserves access to clean and safe drinking water, regardless of where they live.
The Prime Minister says he will raise the concern with the relevant authorities for water quality testing and necessary follow-up.
