WATER sources in the Western Division are starting to dry up as the dry weather persists in the region.
Farmers in rural Ba, Tavua and Rakiraki say they are already feeling the impact of the dry conditions as boreholes are now drawing muddy water.
Dairy farmer Hirdesh Nand said fetching water for livestock was tiring.
“We have a river nearby and some days I can’t pump water from the river so I have to take them to another place,” he said.
“A lot of farmers in my area are doing this. They have to walk the animals twice a day to the river. The dry weather is getting worse every year. Some animals can’t walk far because they are too weak.”
The Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Lands are already teaming in installing boreholes in affected areas.
Minister for Waterways Dr Mahendra Reddy issued a statement saying he had visited several farming sites in Rada and Marasa, Nadi, last Friday where water sources for both agricultural and domestic consumption was needed.
Dr Reddy said the new multi-drill rigs operated by the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources would be able to assist these vulnerable communities.
The minister also visited Tavua and Ba because they were the most affected areas during droughts.
“We want to utilise the resources available with the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources, in partnership with the Ministry of Waterways and Environment and Agriculture to quickly develop these water sources in rural areas where no water reticulation system is.
“There’s huge potential for us to develop water sources in these areas.”
He said water carting was not sustainable.
