Forty-eight families from the Mataqali Nacobicibici Qasekinagone in Matawailevu Village in Nalawa, Ra, are appealing to the Minister for Public Works, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, for urgent assistance as these families have been forced to rely on a nearby creek for water for the past seven months.
Mataqali Head, Jone Lebobo told fijivillage News that their water connection was cut off by members of another mataqali due to a land dispute, which is currently before the court.
Lebobo explained that the lack of proper water supply has caused immense hardship for families, particularly for cooking and consumption.
He says they are doing their best to manage, but the situation is becoming increasingly challenging, especially for vulnerable members of the community, including children and the elderly.
He is urging the government to step in and provide an alternative water source while the legal issues are being resolved.
fijivillage News has reached out to the Ministry of Public Works for comments regarding the matter but is yet to receive a response.
Meanwhile, the affected families remain hopeful that their plea will be heard, allowing them to regain access to a reliable and safe water supply soon.
