Batiki communities call for urgent action on access to clean water during Ministerial visit

The four villages of Batiki Island used the recent visit by the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development to highlight one of the most pressing challenges facing their communities, which is access to clean and reliable drinking water.

Representatives from the villages of Mua, Manuku, Yavu and Naigani collectively raised their long-standing concerns during discussions with the Minister, emphasising that for more than 20 years the island’s communities have been requesting a sustainable and reliable water supply system.

Tevita Tavodi, Mata ni Tikina for Batiki, stressed the urgency of the issue during discussions.

He says that for more than two decades the people of Batiki have been raising the need for a reliable source of clean water.

He adds that their villages continue to rely heavily on rainwater harvesting, which is not sustainable during dry periods.

Tavodi says access to clean drinking water is not a luxury, it is a basic necessity for the people of Batiki.

He says they remain hopeful that through continued dialogue and partnership with the government, they can finally secure a long-term solution for the island.

Despite ongoing efforts by villagers to manage their limited resources, Batiki remains heavily dependent on rainwater harvesting, leaving communities vulnerable during dry periods and prolonged droughts.

Residents say this situation continues to affect daily life, health, education and economic opportunities.

The issue was also presented as a priority within the Batiki Development Plan, a community-driven roadmap outlining key development goals for the island.

The plan focuses on five pillars aimed at improving quality of life and strengthening resilience for the people of Batiki: access to clean drinking water, connectivity and communication, economic empowerment, education and youth opportunities, and community resilience and infrastructure.

Community leaders expressed hope that the Minister’s visit would help accelerate government support towards a long-term water solution for the island.