FAMILIES in Korovatu, Labasa, are facing prolonged water shortages, with residents who depend on boreholes sometimes left without water for days during the dry season.
With boreholes drying up, families are forced to rely on water trucks for their basic needs. However, residents say they can wait up to two weeks for a water truck to arrive.
Resident Rup Ram said the situation was not new and had become a recurring problem during prolonged dry spells.
“All the water has dried up and finished. Then we call the water truck,” he said.
Mr Ram said residents had to wait for water trucks to refill their tanks, leaving families without a reliable supply.
A single water cart delivery costs $135, he said, placing an additional financial burden on households.
“When there is a dry season, we don’t know what to do.”
The shortage has forced families to ration whatever water they have, prioritising drinking water while using the remaining supply for washing clothes, dishes and toilet use.
Mr Ram said the community’s water problems were particularly severe when there was little or no rainfall.
“If the rain comes, then it is good. If not, we have problems.”
He said the community needed a permanent solution rather than continued dependence on water carting.
“The Government needs to supply water. Water is the big problem in Korovatu. The water pipes should be extended to this community. When the dry season comes, it is very hard, very hard,” he said.
Questions sent to Acting Commissioner Northern Apolosi Lewaqai remain unanswered.
