Nakalawaca Village in the Namalata district of Tailevu continues to face severe water shortages, with residents relying on unsafe water sources and an empty village well while hoping for rainfall.
Village Headman Anare Tabakaucoro told fijivillage News that despite visits from government officials and the Water Authority, and several promises of development, there has been little improvement in the water situation.
He says that in 2023, 128 rainwater tanks were delivered by the Water Authority of Fiji to the Namalata district, yet water supply remains an issue due to heavy reliance on rainfall.
Tabakaucoro adds that following the Tailevu Provincial Council meeting in 2022, Naisausau Village received water tanks, with each household benefitting from rainwater harvesting systems.
Community members say the tanks were useful when it rained.
He further explains that under a fortnightly water carting schedule, each requesting household receives 2,000 litres of water.
However, Tabakaucoro says this is not enough to meet the daily needs of villagers.
He adds that many schools have had to close temporarily due to the lack of water.
Tabakaucoro says that currently, many of the tanks are empty, and water supply has been temporarily sourced from Nausori.
In addition to the ongoing water challenges, he is also urging the government to install solar lights around the village to improve safety at night.
We are currently trying to get WAF.
