More than 300,000 residents from Nausori to Lami have faced inconsistent water supply for the past two weeks, as heavy rains and flooding disrupt water systems.
The Water Authority of Fiji’s (WAF) latest advisory urging Central Eastern residents to prepare for potential water disruptions caused by adverse weather has not helped appease people who are frustrated that WAF has not found a solution.
“From our perspective, we’ve put out information about why the water is out and we’ve done what we were supposed to do to provide relief for water carting assistance. So, we’re trying our best,” said Peni Shute, WAF’s acting manager for communications and stakeholder engagement.
Mr Shute explained that heavy rains strain the Tamavua treatment plant.
“Whenever there’s heavy rain, it’ll strain our treatment plant. All this is explained in the various notices we’ve issued. It’s truly dependent on nature – if it rains more, there will be problems at the plant, which will impact production.”
Addressing concerns of deliberate supply cuts, he clarified, “it’s not because we are purposefully turning off the lines just because we feel like it, no”.
Residents needing water carting assistance are encouraged to contact WAF’s national call centre at 5777 or landline 3346777. “From there, we can co-ordinate trucks to reach them,” Mr Shute added.
WAF warns that heavy rainfall impacts water systems by blocking intakes, reducing reservoir levels, and increasing water turbidity as floodwaters carry dirt and sediment.
The advisory urges residents to store enough water to last 2-3 days.
“Heavy rains also increase the level of turbidity since rainwater washes soil and sediment into the raw water sources, and floodwaters carry in more dirt,” WAF stated.
“Early preparation is key, as stored water can meet immediate needs during disruptions.”
WAF teams are monitoring the situation closely but can only carry out repair works when conditions are safe. Communities in flood-prone areas should also anticipate temporary service interruptions.
