THE MLC Vunilagi was deployed to Vatulele Island last week, carrying 150,000 litres of water.
Government had responded to shortages affecting communities during prolonged dry conditions linked to the current El Niño event.
The vessel departed Narayan Jetty on September 24 with emergency water supplies for 981 people across 222 households.
The deployment was co-ordinated through the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management and the Commissioner Western Divisional Office.
The Fiji National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDMO) continues to support the emergency response through the National and Divisional Emergency Operation Centres.
The water supplies will support communities in Ekubu, Taunovo, Lomanikaya and Bouwenqa villages, as well as the Vatulele Health Centre and Vatulele District School.
The Emergency Water Supply Program is part of the Ministry’s ongoing response to water shortages affecting rural and maritime communities.
The program enables the timely mobilisation of water and other essential assistance where required.
The NDMO in statement said the emergency coordination arrangements allowed the Government to work with the Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport and the Water Authority of Fiji to facilitate the delivery of essential water supplies during periods of water stress.
Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport, Ro Filipe Tuisawau said the water delivery was part of the Government’s ongoing plan to assist communities affected by water shortages and the impacts of El Niño.
The deployment follows similar assistance provided to communities on Batiki Island.
The Government said it remained committed to ensuring communities in remote rural and maritime areas had access to safe and adequate water supplies, particularly during prolonged dry conditions.
