WAF standby generators cannot fully keep the pumps operational during power outages

The Water Authority of Fiji currently has standby generators at major water pumping stations but they cannot fully keep the pumps operational during power outages.

Fijivillage has been informed that these standby generators can only operate for a certain period of time and this is one of the main causes of intermittent water supply to thousands of people living in the elevated parts of Samabula, Rewa Street, Delainavesi to Togalevu, as well as elevated areas of Nasinu and surrounding areas.

We have asked the Authority what it is doing about the size and capacity of the generators, why they were bought in the first place, why bigger sets were not bought to ensure that water supply is not affected even if there is power outage for a number of days especially during disasters.

We have also asked the Authority when the bigger standby generator sets will be purchased and installed which would fulfill all requirements.

Meanwhile, the CEO of the Water Authority of Fiji, Barry Omundson says they anticipate to normalise water supply in the greater Suva area by tomorrow night into Saturday morning.

In relation to water carting, some people have raised concerns that water is not being carted to their areas and when they are calling on 3346777 or 5777, the call is not being answered.

Omundson says they are doing their best.

The temporary water interruption which started yesterday afternoon is due to a series of unplanned electricity outages yesterday which had disrupted water supply operations to the Waimanu, Savura and Waila Raw Water Pump Stations.