Six of the 15 water sources in the Western Division impacted by the dry weather are at critical levels.
Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau highlighted this in Parliament earlier this month.
“Those 15 water sources include – Narara Dam, Nakasia, Nalau, Nasici, Balevuto, Waiwai, Varaciva, Vareqe, Vaturu and Sigatoka,” Ro Filipe said.
“Some critical ones in terms of the dry weather include – Narara, Nakasia, Balevuto, Babau and Varaqe.”
He said the Central Division Tamavua System on Princes Rd was affected which impacted Tovata, Deuba, Navua, Korovou and Vunidawa.
“In the Northern Division, areas impacted are Taganikula, Vunika, Nabouwalu, Bulileka, Dreketi and Seaqaqa.”
He said mitigation measures and immediate actions had been taken.
“The water rationing and scheduling have been introduced.
“This included structuring water rationing and scheduling programs to assist communities in managing water shortages in the areas I had mentioned.
“Of course, we have the free Water Tank Scheme. These have been distributed to various rural areas and also the affected areas and that scheme is still open.
“This scheme enables residents, of course, to store water during water shortages.”
Ro Filipe said another temporary measure was the construction of temporary cofferdams.
“In the Western Division, this was done at Varaciva, Nadrou and Qalau, and in the Waimanu intake in the Central Division.
“We continue with public awareness and advisories in these various areas and the need to conserve water in terms of the dry weather.”
