ABOUT 39.50 per cent of Fiji’s main water sources have reached critical levels as a result of the dry weather spells experienced around the country.
According to the Water Authority of Fiji, about 2.38 per cent of its 45 water sources around the country have yet to reach critical stages while 58.12 per cent remain as normal.
In an update given to board directors, and government on the water situation during a meeting on Tuesday, WAF stated that eight of the seventeen water sources have reached its critical levels in the Central/Eastern Division.
This includes the Waimanu Source (Navatuvula) at 273MLD, Wailoku Head Works 1 at 0.71MLD, Vago Source (Cascade) at 5.6MLD, Wainikavika Source at 1.37MLD, Vunidawa Source at 1.18MLD.
The WAF board of directors, Government team and WAF senior management met yesterday to discuss the update on the current water situations around the country and its impacts due to the dry weather spells.
On Levuka Island, the Totogo Source is currently flowing at 0.198MLD, Waitovu Source at 0.604MLD and the Levuka Vakaviti Source at 0.25MLD.
For the Western Division, five out of the fourteen water sources have critical levels – for Rakiraki – the Nakasia Dam is currently discharging 0.35MLD, Narara Dam is at 0.26MLD.
In Ba, the Balevuto Dam is discharging 1.8MLD.
For Lautoka, the Nalau Dam, currently discharges 4.90MLD and the Buabua Dam is at 4.60MLD.
In the Northern Division, six out of the fourteen water sources have reached its critical level points, Nasealevu at 3.54MLD, Nasalasala at 0.51 MLD, Vunika at 0.05MLD, Savudrodro at 2.16MLD, Savuloaloa at 0.02MLD and Nabouwalu at 0.77MLD.
As a result of this, WAF will be implementing mitigation measures such as the construction of temporary coffer dams, water rationing, as well as water carting.
The director for Fiji Meteorological Services Ravind Kumar also provided update on the current dry spell situation affecting the country.
WAF chairman Bhavesh Kumar also updated a Government team at the meeting on the regional-situation on the ground regarding water levels and the preventative measures that are in place.
“It is of great importance to hold these meetings to allow us all to be on top of things in terms of water supply due to the climatic changes resulting in the dry spells that are being experienced throughout the country,” said Mr Kumar.
“I reiterate and urge members of the public on the importance to please, practice water conservation by ways of minimizing on the washing of cars, driveways as well as watering of gardens.”
Also, the authority will be holding similar sessions with its stakeholders such as the Fiji Hoteliers Association and various municipality town councils around the country, to provide an update on the current situation.
