Water Authority of Fiji CEO Barry Omundson says he will terminate any contractor who delivers water in a discriminatory manner.
He said WAF was investigating contractors in Vanua Levu after residents complained of discriminatory practices.
Residents in affected areas who depend on carted water supply claimed contractors “pick and choose” where they delivered water.
People from Wailevu, Vunivau, Basoga, Naduna and Qelewaqa told this newspaper that contractors would stop at their homes to deliver water “if they felt like it”.
WAF confirmed they had received several complaints of alleged discriminatory water carting practices.
“Labasa is currently facing water disruption after four burst mains which WAF teams are working to fix,” WAF said.
“Residents in affected areas contacted WAF alleged that water carting truck drivers were being rude and in cases deliberately missing their areas for places where they knew people.”
WAF CEO Mr Omundson said the behaviour was “unwarranted and unacceptable”.
“We will terminate any contractor who participates in this,” he said.
“The Water Authority of Fiji does not discriminate based on anyone’s background and we will ensure that contractors who are indulging in such activities are held accountable and taken to task “Investigations into the alleged misconduct and discriminatory behaviour have begun.”
Mr Omundson also urged Fijians to be mindful of water levels at WAF dams which were at critical levels because of the drought season.
“Water rates in Fiji are some of the cheapest in the world, however, we must not take water for granted and ensure that we are conserving water.
“During times like these where the whole world is suffering from a pandemic, it is more important than ever before to think about our fellow Fijians.
“Wasting water will affect your entire community.
“The authority has suspended water disconnections until 31 March 2021, in order to ensure that Fijians who are impacted directly or indirectly by COVID-19 have access to water.”
