Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama was briefed on Tuesday about the prolonged dry spell affecting most parts of Fiji.

The National Disaster Management office director, Manasa Tagicakibau, said in his presentation that the dry spell was driven by a potential El Nino that was trying to develop fully in the Pacific since May.

Mr Tagicakibau also highlighted how the following sectors had been affected by the prolonged dry spell; education; agriculture/livestock/irrigation; health; sugar; water; electricity and communities.

Education – 161 schools have been affected by the current dry spell but continue to operate because of carted water.

The Education Ministry through the education cluster is assisting with the provision of water tanks to the affected schools.

Health –  The Ministry of Health has also activated its cluster to co-ordinate support activities in the health sector.

They are also advising the public to practise personal hygiene as diseases may spread when the dry spell is over.

Agriculture –  While the Ministry of Agriculture continues to assess the dry spell, strategies have been put in place to lessen the impact.

This includes buying water pumps/irrigation system and water tanks.

They have also mobilised their resources and provided supplementary feeds to animals.

Mr Tagicakibau also informed the PM that the recent rainfall experienced in most parts of Fiji has filled up reservoirs, water sources and catchments.

Mr Bainimarama directed the NDMO to continue to monitor the situation and to respond to the affected communities.

He has also urged the forum to look at long term solutions like mobile desalination plant.

Also present at the briefing were the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Pio Tikoduadua, Minister for Agriculture Rural and Maritime Development and NDMO Inia Seruiratu, and Assistant Minister Joeli Cawaki with permanent secretaries and heads of agencies.

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