Lack of water takes its toll on North livestock and cane farmer

The continuous dry spell in the North is taking its toll on livestock, rice and sugarcane farmer Michael Mani.

Mr Mani of Nagigi outside Labasa Town said since September this year he has been finding it difficult provide water for his livestock.

“I really feel sorry for my livestock because of the lack of good and safe water,” he said.

“My sugarcane and rice farms are also slowly drying up.

“I really do not know where to go to and ask for help. I believe if this dry spell continues then all my livestock in this 25- acre farm would die.”

He said he had to drive a few kilometres away from his house to fetch water for his goats, sheep and cattle.

“For drinking water and cooking I get water from Labasa Town.”

He said the Water Authority of Fiji rarely carted water to his house because he lived far from Labasa Town.

Mr Mani said a reservoir in Nararo up on the mountain near Nagigi had not been properly maintained.

“If good care is taken of the reservoir, it can provide normal supply to all the residents in Nagigi.

When contacted Fiji Water of Authority said they would look into the situation soon.

Edited by Manasa Kalouniviti

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