Imagine a Day Without Water! This was the title of the photo exhibition by the Rotary Pacific Water for Life Foundation.

The exhibition was on display at the Na Koro Market at the Fiji Museum in Suva yesterday.

Foundation communications officer Julie Morris said the photo exhibition was their bid in raising public awareness about the need to protect our water sources in Fiji.

“What we are trying to do is raise awareness around the plight of rural communities being without access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation in Fiji,” she said.

The exhibition consists of 20 documentary-style photographs with captions from communities which the foundation has assisted.

“These photos capture the human stories and highlights the plight from these vulnerable communities” she said.

Ms Morris said this was an issue which had become more problematic as climate change and dry seasons were taking its toll in Fiji.

“We need to protect our water resources and not take them for granted. We also need to take action in these rural communities in Fiji because living in the urban centre where we have access to clean water, we can just turn on a tap,” she said.

“This is not the case for communities living without such access and have to travel long distances to collect water and drink unsafe water.”

The Foundation works towards enabling healthier communities by providing sustainable access to safer drinking water and sanitation in the Pacific.

In Fiji, it has engineered water projects in Bua, Vatulele, Ba, Yasawas and the Lomaiviti group that have been given access to safe drinking water.

Ms Morris said they would also be taking their exhibitions to Sigatoka and several other places in Fiji.

Meanwhile, Na Koro Market organiser Peter Sipeli said there was a good turnout and interest shown despite the adverse weather conditions.

“We had kids classes making little wood works, we had young people making quilts, tai chi and salsa dance classes,” he said.

Several families also made use of the various food stalls that were available at the market.

Mr Sipeli also indicated more activities would be made available in the next Na Koro Market on September 4.

 Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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