The Water Authority of Fiji has urged Fijians to conserve water as water levels in dams run low due to low rainfall and drought conditions causing water disruptions to many communities in Fiji's Western and Northern Divisions.
WAF CEO Barry Omundson says water levels at Nasealevu Dam in Labasa are at critical levels and WAF is receiving increased requests for water carting which is further draining water reserves.
He says they would like to urge all Fijians to think about their fellow human beings and communities who will face water shortages if we do not take this drought seriously and start conserving water.
[Nasealevu Dam now]
Omundson says because water prices in Fiji is less than 1 cent per litre, it becomes very easy to just leave taps running or take long showers without a care about the cost, however, this can be disastrous for Fijians who need water in drought-affected areas.
He adds if the prolonged lack of rainfall persists, the situation could become even more critical.
Omundson further says climate change enhances both the impact and the timeline for droughts adding warmer temperatures can enhance evaporation from the soil, making periods with low precipitation drier than they would be in cooler conditions.
The Authority urges all Fijians to make it their personal responsibility to practice water-saving measures daily.
