Residents in Kashmir, Lautoka are facing ongoing water supply disruptions, with businesses and households without water for the past three days.
A businessman in Kashmir is now calling on authorities to urgently address the situation, warning that the shortage is crippling businesses and affecting daily life in surrounding communities.
Speaking to fijivillage News, Director of Hari Lal Investments, Sanjay Arvin Lal says residents and businesses in Kashmir and nearby areas have been severely impacted, with essential activities brought to a halt.
Lal says his bakery was initially able to remain operational using water from a private tank, but those supplies were completely depleted yesterday.
He says when assistance was sought from a water truck, they were informed that only buckets could be filled and not large water tanks.
He says this limitation makes it impossible to maintain bakery operations, which require a consistent and adequate water supply for production, sanitation and food safety.
Lal says the situation highlights the urgent need for reliable water infrastructure and effective emergency support systems.
He adds that businesses such as bakeries depend heavily on water, and without it, they face financial losses while the wider community suffers from disruptions to essential services, including food supply.
Lal is urging authorities to recognise the seriousness of the situation and provide immediate solutions, including allowing water trucks to fill large tanks or restoring regular water supply as soon as possible.
He says the ongoing water shortage in Kashmir, Lautoka is more than an inconvenience, as it threatens livelihoods and the well-being of residents, and calls for swift action to support local businesses and restore normalcy.
When contacted, Water Authority Fiji says they are currently verifying the issue with their team in the West.
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