ABOUT 206 water tanks of 5300 and 10,000 litres capacity have been placed at strategic locations around Nadi and Lautoka in preparation for the major Nagado Water Shutdown this Saturday.
The water tanks were placed by the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF).
The water shutdown is scheduled to take place from 1am on Saturday, September 29 until midnight Tuesday, October 2 to allow the authority to conduct the installations.
WAF will be installing new Vanessa Valves and Pressure Transducer Pipes at the treatment plant over the four days.
Areas that will be affected are the whole of Nadi, parts of Lautoka and areas covered by the Buabua and Saru Water Treatment Plants.
According to a statement from WAF, a total of ninety-six water tanks have been placed around affected areas in Lautoka and a total of one-hundred and six water tanks have been placed in strategic locations around the Nadi area.
“Please store at least 200 liters of drinking water to sustain you and your family during the water disruption, if you know you require additional water, please store up accordingly. For the placement of water tanks, WAF is doing this to assist members of the public during the water shutdown who may run out of water,” WAF board director Kamal Gounder urged.
Members of the public residing in the affected areas have also been urged to start storing water now and not wait until the end of the week, as experiences from the last two water shutdowns.
WAF said in February and June saw a sudden surge resulting in the drastic drop in water levels at the reservoirs as customers were all storing water at once.
This could result in many customers not storing sufficient backup supply to sustain them during the planned disruption period.
“WAF will be working with the Fiji Police Force in the monitoring of water tanks, as reports of vandalism and damages had surfaced during the earlier water shutdowns, any complaints or reports will be forwarded to the Force for further investigations,” said Mr Gounder.
The full list of the water tank locations will be advertised and be made available on the WAF’s website and Facebook page.
The authority had also indicated earlier that water supply would be gradually restored after the installation works.
Meanwhile, customers in Nadi and Lautoka can contact the Authority through the emergency toll-free short code 1507 or email waterhelp@waf.com.fj for further inquiries.
This will be available 24 hours a day, during the shutdown period.
*A list of the water tank locations provided from WAF as of Monday, September 24. The full list of the water tank locations will be advertised later and available on the Authority’s website and Facebook page.
