Households of a village in Cakaudrove have had to resort to a river beside their locality for multiple essential tasks such as cooking, washing and also to answer to the call of nature.
Lekutulevu Village headman Josefa Biraki said they had no other alternative but to use the river for all their needs, despite the health risks posed by its contamination.
“A lot of people got sick because they drank from the polluted and contaminated river,” Mr Biraki said.
Despite their pleas and requests to Government for proper sanitation and access to clean water over the years, nothing has changed in their circumstances.
“This issue is longstanding, and I believe we were not the only village facing this. Many others continue to face this issue today.”
Mr Biraki made the observation after they finally received safe drinking water and proper sanitation, courtesy of Rotary Pacific Water.
“It’s something we have been praying for, for years,” he added.
Divisional planning officer Setareki Dakuiboca said the NGO’s projects were a success.
“It has made life easier for women, children, the elderly and those living with disabilities,” he said.
