Residents of Balevuto assisted in flushing out their water tanks after health officials find unclean tanks

Assistance has been provided to the residents of Balevuto in Ba to flush out and clean their water tanks as health officials found water stored in water tanks in some households to be unclean.

This follows deaths occurring in Balevuto, Ba resulting from contaminated water where Minister for Health Doctor Atonio Lalabalavu had earlier said that 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.

While visiting the community and Waica Dam in Balevuto today, Dr. Lalabalavu with Shadow Minister for Health and Opposition MPs Penioni Ravunawa and Viam Pillay were also advised on how health officials are collaborating with WAF in this regard.

The Ministry says health officials highlighted that residents have been advised to take precautions while awaiting the outcome of investigations carried out by the Ministry and WAF.

They say another important message being promoted in the community is adherence to best hygiene practices including boiling all drinking water and proper handwashing with soap and water before and after meals, as well as after visiting the toilet.

Meanwhile, Dr. Lalabalavu has noted how the outbreak has created severe community wide concerns and it is only fitting that Members of Parliament put their differences aside for the common good of the people of the Balevuto community.

Ravunawa commended Dr. Lalabalavu for keeping an open door policy and being transparent in inviting him to be part of the visit.