Residents in the district of Vuna and South of Taveuni are facing water problems in this ongoing dry weather spell.

A resident of Waimaqera Settlement, Tevita Ligani, said the dry spell was affecting them and people had to travel far to get water for their use.

He said some people were using water from nearby streams for everyday use.

“Life is at its worst and plants are starting to dry up and farming has become difficult,” Mr Ligani said.

“Because of the harsh dry weather conditions, everyone is suffering and unhygienic lifestyles are now being practised almost in every household because there is not enough water,” he said

Meanwhile, district officer Taveuni Jerry Ubitau said a new desalination plant has been installed at the south-end of Taveuni to ease the water problems in the area.

Mr Ubitau said the situation in Vuna was getting worse and the plant is giving some relief to the villagers in terms of water supply.

“We have delivered water to Yanuca Village and Qilo Primary School and we have continued to cart water to the people on a regular basis as most of them have no water supply at all,” Mr Ubitau said.

Meanwhile, Water Authority of Fiji chief executive officer, Opetaia Ravai said help would be send to Taveuni to help islanders during the dry spell.

“For Taveuni, we will soon install three desalination plants that will provide sufficient water to the island. The installation should be finished in October,” Mr Ravai said.

He said Fiji was not the only country facing water shortage during the dry spall.

“It is a serious problem facing the Southwest Pacific and in many countries around the world. Fiji is facing this drought and meteorologists are predicting it will continue until next January.”

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