Concerns are growing over delays in addressing the ongoing water shortage at Navua Hospital, as a disagreement between a community volunteer group and the hospital’s board of visitors comes to light.
Worthy Works Fiji coordinator and former chair of the Advisory Counsellors in Navua, Kamal Narayan claims efforts to assist the hospital have been blocked despite months of preparations.
“We had a few meetings with the SDMO (Sub Divisional Medical Officer) since last year, and we were even okay to start,” he said.
“We have surplus money, so we wanted to actually utilise it in the hospital.”
He added discussions extended to the national level.
“We had meetings with the Water Authority, and they would have come with us to set up the tanks, they would have done the piping.”
According to Mr Narayan, support was also expected from the Ministry of Health.
“They will be giving some materials. Materials to actually start off with this base, the cement and everything.”
However, he alleges the proposal was halted after contact from the board’s secretary.
He further claims that despite assurances of progress, little work has been done.
“They don’t know the plight of the people who are visiting the hospital.”
The proposed project included installing water tanks and a pump system to improve supply.
He stressed that the initiative was community-driven and not for profit.
In response, board of visitors secretary Felichya Kayes defended their position, stating that plans are already underway.
“We won’t need any help, we’ll go ahead and do it ourselves,” she said.
The board maintains that government-provided tanks and materials are in place, with work in progress.
Meanwhile, community members continue to express concern over delays in resolving the hospital’s water issue.
