Many people in Vanua Levu took the opportunity to bring their problems to the Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama, during the talanoa sessions he held in the North this week.

It was apparent that the people looked forward to the sessions to share their needs with the PM.

The most common problems highlighted were no access to clean water supply, electricity in rural locations with numerous requests for better road access.

During a talanoa session at Laqere in Tabia outside of Labasa Town, Rohit Anand told Mr Bainimarama that there was no safe water at all for drinking in Nukunuku Settlement.

“The settlement consists of five households with about 15 individuals and their only source of water is rain water through their roof catchment which is virtually useless during dry spells,” Mr Anand said.

“For two years I wrote numerous letters to the DO Macuata, the Commissioner Northern’s office, Water Authority and Labasa Health Office and unfortunately our plight has fallen on deaf ears.”

Daya Prasad, the president of Cokonimoto Yalava Settlement in Macuata also requested for a cleaner water supply.

“If the Government can assist us by drilling boreholes we would be very happy but please sir, can something be done this year so that our children can finally have access to safe drinking water,” Mr Prasad said.

Mr Bainimarama immediately told Commissioner Northern Joseva Vocea, DO Seaqaqa, DO Macuata and representatives of Water Authority to look into making more boreholes.

“I am aware that during dry spell access to water is difficult however, the senior officials would work on making sure that this year boreholes.

Edited by Paula Tuvuki

shratikan@fijisun.com.fj