The four villages on Cikobia Island in Macuata have developed a self-help attitude many years ago.

This came about after the villages, Nalele, Vuninuku, Vatulele and Nautovatu had been using water from a borehole that  was constructed by their elders more than a hundreds of years back.

Nalele village headman Apolosi Sela said the borehole was situated close to the four villages and it had catered for all their needs up to now.

“It was constructed by our village ancestors,” Mr Sela said.

“The villagers call the borehole Wainitaki (water for filling), and it is about 15 minutes walk from the villages.”

He said the borehole was constructed using short logs which were placed under the borehole.

“These logs under the borehole helps purify the water by minimising mud mixing with water.”

Mr Sela said the water had been for many years used for washing and bathing and they also boiled water for cooking and drinking.

“Before help came from the Water Authority of Fiji the villagers have been living for years with water from the borehole,” he said.

Meanwhile, after the maritime tour by the Government delegations, WAF rural supervisor northern Maleli Gasau surveys for all maritime islands had already begun from Kioa and Rabi.

“Water authority will try and supply clean drinking water to all maritime islanders in the North,” Mr Gasau said.

He added the water surveys by WAF would continue into early next year.

Edited by Manasa Kalouniviti

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