WATER woes continue to plague villages on Yadua, Kia and Cikobia as the dry season begins.
While visiting these islands, Minister for Fisheries Semi Koroilavesau heard the people’s plight to access clean drinking water.
Speaking in Cikobia, Mr Koroilavesau said the three islands had boreholes whose generators were defective and affected the water supply for the villagers.
Mr Koroilavesau said he would approach the Prime Minister to inform him of the difficulties faced by the villagers.
Cikobia villager Akuila Dulukirewa said despite raising their concerns with authorities, nothing had been done to address their damaged water pump.
Mr Dulukirewa said villagers often relied on rain and other water sources to address their needs, adding the last rain they had was three months ago.
Another villager, Sitiveni Lakolako, had requested Mr Koroilavesau if water transported on barges in the future could be supplied to the villagers through hose pipes.
Mr Lakolako said the current practice was for villagers to procure water from the barges with containers, adding it did not meet their daily demands.
Yadua Village headman Meli Nawai said water was scarce on the island despite the presence of a borehole that used to cater the villagers.
Mr Nawai said the generator that serviced their borehole had been out of order for the past three months.
Denimanu villager on Yadua Island Akosita Tinaigilo said the water problem made life difficult for the elderly, women and children.
