Christmas has come early for Yalobi villagers in Yasawa, amidst the ongoing dry spell.

They are rejoicing after the opening of their new water source – a borehole, this week.

The borehole was installed by the United Nations Development Programme in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture.

The villagers serenaded and held a big feast to mark the occasion.

Village headman Simeli Bale said: “Our prayers are now answered and we thank UNDP and Government for that.

“The people of Yalobi have been suffering a lot in the past few months as our main sources of water started to dry up.”

Mr Bale said UNDP and Government helped after their requests were turned down by organisations they earlier approached.

“This is one of the biggest projects that we have received. Now the kids and those who come to our village will have proper water supply which now flow freely to every house.”

The borehole also ended reliance to water tank supply which ran dry during the ongoing dry spell.

“We are so glad that before Christmas, the borehole has been commissioned.”

Ministry of Agriculture deputy secretary Corporate Services and Planning, Maca Tulakepato said they would continue to support the village.

Editing by: Maikeli Seru

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