A PROLONGED period of abnormally low rainfall is one of the worst times for the villagers of Batiki.
According to Yavu Village headman Lote Tokalauvere, when a drought happens on the island they request for water to be supplied to the island from Viti Levu.
Mr Tokalauvere said a Government barge transports the water to the island and while it berths out in the sea the villagers use their fibreboats to go and get water using buckets.
He said the fuel for their boats was also supplied by the barge but sometimes they prepared their own fuel.
He said as of now they were relying on rain water which was stored in concrete tanks and their water catchment which also supplies water to Mua their neighbouring village.
Meanwhile, Atalifo Anise the Rotary Pacific Water for Life Foundation project officer for the Maritime Zone said they had advised the villagers of Manuku also on Batiki to practise the rain harvesting system because their catchment always dries up.
He said the foundation, which was a limited liability company registered under Fijian laws, had supplied six 5200-litre Rota tanks for rainwater storage, together with first flush devices which helps separate the dirt settle on the guttering.
Mr Anise said as for the five sites on Nairai Island (Tovulailai Village, Dalice settlement, Davetarua Primary School, Waitoga Primary School, Vutuna Village) the foundation was upgrading their existing catchment (collects water upstream) and water was delivered into a new water tank installed.
“Water is then distributed into the village/school or settlement through smaller size pipes to maintain the water pressure in their system,” Mr Anise said.
“Part of our upgrading works is to repair leakages identified in the water and sanitation reticulation system and also install bio sand filters for sustainable and safe drinking water for the people,” he said.
