A BARGE carrying 140,000 litres of water to Naviti in the Yasawa Group was forced to divert and seek shelter in Nacula because of strong winds.

Divisional operation officer West Sitiveni Tavaga said while the stop was unplanned, water would be delivered to Naviti as soon as the barge returned to Lautoka for a refill.

“We could not make it all the way to Naviti,” he said.

“So we delivered to Ratu Meli Primary, the Nacula Health Centre, Nacula Community Post and neighbouring villages within the district.”

He said a fresh supply of water would be organised for Naviti early next week.

Meanwhile, Mr Tavaga said water carting to affected areas between Ba and Rakiraki had begun.

“We are closely working with Water Authority of Fiji on this.

“Some areas from Sigatoka to Nadi have been covered, we are going through the requests that come to us.”

So far, more than 3 million litres of water has been distributed to communities affected by the prolonged dry weather spell.