CARING for her amputee husband while struggling to secure daily water has become an overwhelming challenge for a Vuniwere resident in Seaqaqa, Macuata, as an eight-month water crisis continues to impact the settlement.
Resident, Kelera Vakadagi said the prolonged lack of running water had compounded the difficulties she faced at home.
“My husband’s foot is amputated, and on top of that I have to worry about water. Water to cook and feed my family,” she said.
With no supply from their taps, Ms Vakadagi said the responsibility of sourcing water rested heavily on her shoulders.
“Many times I have to take buckets to fetch water for my family. This is to meet our daily needs.”
While speaking to this newspaper, she said the physical demands of carrying water while also caring for her husband, had taken a toll.
“There’s been no water for eight months. It’s not easy, the problem we are going through.”
She said rainfall provided only temporary relief for families in the settlement.
“At times when it rains, we use that opportunity to fill our buckets with water.”
The ongoing situation has forced residents to depend on distant water sources and unpredictable weather to meet basic needs such as cooking, cleaning, and maintaining hygiene.
She said the absence of a reliable water supply continued to disrupt daily life.
In response, the Rural and Maritime Development Minister Mosese Bulitavu said he was unaware of the issue.
Mr Bulitavu said he would send a team from his office to look at ways in addressing the issue.
