An emergency water operation is underway to assist communities on Batiki Island affected by water shortages while support for water supply operations for affected maritime communities in the Northern and Western divisions is being planned.
The Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Risk Management says that through the Divisional Commissioner Eastern Office, it is working with the Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport and the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) to deliver emergency water supplies to the island.
The vessel MLC Vatulawa departed Narayan Jetty at 8.45pm last night and arrives in Batiki this morning.
The Ministry says the team will deliver emergency water supplies and assess alternative water sources on the island, while supporting communities that rely primarily on rainwater harvesting.
They says upon arrival, the team will establish the operation and begin distributing water, with priority given to the school and health centre.
The Ministry says a second phase of the operation is planned for tomorrow, following the team's return to Levuka to replenish water supplies.
They say as part of the wider response to drought-affected communities, the Ministry and the Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport will also work together to coordinate and support water supply operations for affected maritime communities in the Northern and Western divisions.
The Ministry says they will continue to monitor the evolving impacts of El Niño and work with stakeholders to ensure the Government's response is coordinated and timely assistance is provided to affected communities.
