VAKABULI villagers outside Lautoka hope the gift of household water filters yesterday will end typhoid woes of the past.
They received 100 water filter systems by the US-based NGO Waves for Water.
“We usually get water from creeks, and it is mostly unclean, especially when it rains,” said village headman Josefa Sigavolavola.
“So these water filters are something we are very happy about and we are grateful to the Health Ministry and Waves for Water team for their assistance.
“These will ensure we have clean water all the time and reduce sickness for our people. The filters are also easy to use” Mr Sigavolavola added.
Waves for Water member Christian Troy reminded the village students that while their water sources might look safe, they had to take precautions.
“Sometimes you may drink water from the river over here and there are different ways to get sick.
“These filters will make the water safe and allow you to cook food at home with water that is safe,” he said.
His organisation works in 27 countries around the world and partnered with local organisation Fiji Bula Storehouse to supply filters at Vakabuli.
“We feel privileged to be working hand-in-hand with them and the Health Ministry as they are now able to identify vulnerable rural areas and schools at risk of water borne sicknesses,” said representative Louise Whittaker.
Divisional health inspector West Rakesh Kumar said a water analysis at Vakabuli found that their drinking source from the nearby mountains had coliforms.
The village comes under the tikina of Vitogo and has a population of about 500.
