12 January, 2026, 2:45 pm Central - 26°C Rain

Personal water source could be the cause of deaths in Balevuto - Dr.Lalabalavu

Personal water source could be the cause of deaths in Balevuto - Dr.Lalabalavu

By Mosese Raqio
13/09/2023
Minister for Health Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu

Minister for Health Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu has responded to the rising concerns regarding the deaths occurring in Balevuto, Ba resulting from contaminated water, saying people have to look at sources from two different perspectives.

Dr. Lalabalavu says one is the source from the Water Authority of Fiji in which they ran a test and shows that the water is clear from contamination, and the other one is the personal source which he says probably where some of the cases came from.

He says the data found so far in the testing from the WAF metered source is that the water is clear of contamination but they have found some contamination within the personal sources.

He says in terms of deaths, he has reaffirmed that the Ministry so far has not been able to connect those deaths directly to water contaminants supplied by WAF.

He adds four deaths that they know of were from other underlying causes and there is no proof that the deaths were from human faeces until the tests prove other wise.

Dr.Lalabalavu says they are continuing with investigations along with the WAF and they are likely to provide the updates on the Balevuto issues today or later this week.

Stay with us for updates.

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