The effects of El Niño continue to intensify, with Lautoka residents saying the water situation has worsened over the past four to five months, leaving some communities without water for days and affecting students preparing for their exams.
Speaking to fijivillage News, Lautoka Residents and Ratepayers Association President Narayan Reddy says the situation has worsened, affecting students who are preparing for their examinations.
Reddy says some students have reported wearing the same school uniform for two to three days because they do not have enough water to wash their clothes.
Insert:Reddy on affected students 21st Oct
He says residents in interior parts of Lautoka, including Tavakubu and Saru, are experiencing water shortages, with some going without supply for three to four days.
Reddy says the river that many residents rely on for water has also dried up, making life even more difficult for affected communities.
He says the supply of vegetables has also decreased due to El Niño, resulting in a significant increase in prices.
Meanwhile, Reddy says livestock farmers have been forced to sell many of their goats and cows because of the lack of water, while some animals are dying.
He is calling on the Government to provide water to communities in Lautoka that are experiencing shortages.
