FAMILIES must take responsibility for storing and conserving water as the Government faces resource and budget constraints in responding to water shortages across the country, says Minister for Public Works Ro Filipe Tuisawau.
Ro Filipe said some communities in the Western Division and other parts of Fiji were already experiencing intermittent water supply, while others had yet to receive water.
Speaking in an interview in Lautoka yesterday, he urged families to prioritise household spending and invest in water storage, particularly as the country approaches Christmas and the risk of worsening drought conditions.
“I’m urging all families. We’re approaching Christmas. We do spend a lot during Christmas. If you prioritise that, it will be a small part of your budget,” he said.
“Just to have it there at home when we deliver water, you have water storage, which will cover you for at least a week or two.”
He said households also needed to manage their water consumption carefully, particularly if drought conditions worsened.
“Of course, drinking water is a priority, and health, and those with babies and children need to be prioritised.”
He said intermittent rainfall was not sufficient to replenish water sources but could still be collected from rooftops for household purposes such as washing and flushing toilets.
“While Water Authority of Fiji will look at delivering treated water, but please do boil water if you have doubts about the quality of the water. But Water Authority of Fiji is working to ensure that water delivered is of quality and treated.”
When asked whether families in the Western Division were already experiencing serious water shortages and how many communities were at risk, Ro Filipe confirmed that some communities were receiving intermittent supplies.
“Those we assisted at Vanuakula Settlement are receiving intermittent water, but some have not received water.”
He said communities in other parts of Fiji, including maritime areas, were also experiencing water supply challenges.
Ro Filipe said the National Disaster Risk Management Office and divisional commissioners were coordinating assistance, with affected communities being prioritised according to their needs.
