Josateki Vakatauvata says he lived in Lautoka for most of his life before returning to Nacula in 2019 to look after his mother, and has since experienced first-hand how difficult the dry season can be for island communities.
Vakatauvata says this has been one of the hardest dry periods for the area, with some water sources drying up.
He says officials from the Water Authority of Fiji visited the area yesterday to assess water sources, including those used by schools.
Vakatauvata says Yasawa North Secondary School and Ratu Meli Memorial Primary School each have more than 100 students, including more than 20 boarders at each school.
He says despite the water shortage, students continue to attend classes while the schools try to manage with the limited water available.
Vakatauvata says Nacula Village still has access to a water source, but the situation is more serious around Government facilities in the area.
He says the health centre, staff quarters and police post have run out of water after a small borehole they relied on dried up.
Vakatauvata says despite the difficult conditions, the nurses have continued providing services at the health centre as people in Yasawa may still need medical assistance.
He says bottled drinking water has been provided for patients and health staff, but staff still need water for cooking, washing and cleaning.
Vakatauvata says some rain over the past few days has provided temporary relief, but it has not been enough to resolve the shortage.
Insert: (VitiFM) Vakatauvata on assistance)
He is calling on the Government to urgently provide clean water and additional water tanks to affected communities.
This comes after Government assessments found more than 4,900 people across 23 villages in Yasawa were affected by water shortages caused by the prolonged dry weather.
Minister for Rural, Maritime Development and Disaster Management Mosese Bulitavu had earlier said Nacula, Naviti, Yasawa and Viwa were among the most affected areas, with eight nursing stations, 10 primary schools, two secondary schools and two infant schools also affected.
Bulitavu had said the Ministry was working with the Government Shipping Service to secure a vessel to transport water to affected communities, while private barges and other suitable vessels were also being considered.
Water assistance has since been delivered to Batiki, while fijivillage News is seeking an update on when further assistance will reach affected communities in Yasawa and Taveuni.
fijivillage News has sent follow-up questions to the Ministry of Rural ans Maritime Development and Disaster Management, seeking an update on the planned water assistance for Yasawa and Taveuni.
