Some health centres around the country still have no access to safe drinking water.
Minister for Health Dr Atonio Lalabalavu said these health centres had problems with the water sources in communities they were serving.
In an interview with this newspaper, Dr Lalabalavu said they have looked at ways of solving the problem.
“The issue we have been receiving from health centres is poor infrastructure,” he said.
“We have sent our environmental teams to do training and come up with ideas of ways they can improve on.”
When asked how many health centres faced the problem, he said he did not have any data on hand.
“From last year to this year, I have visited all the health centres in the Central Division. For the North, I have visited the islands health centres. There are still some health centres to visit.
“For Eastern, I have visited the health centres in Moturiki and Ovalau and West is most of it.”
He said they do provide backup water sources for these villagers.
“We provide backup source from rainwater,” he said
. “We are trying to ensure that our staff sent to these facilities have proper access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation.
“Also, electricity, whether solar, backup generator or grid.”
He said he would ensure this issue would be addressed.
