It will take at least one more day before the water supply is fully restored to the most populated areas in the country.

According to the Water Authority of Fiji, the problem started when an automatic transfer switch burned out.

It caused the five pumps which pump in water from the Waimanu River to cease.

The damaged switch was replaced yesterday and raw water pumps were switched on.

“Raw water is now being pumped into the Waila Water Treatment Plant for treatment before treated water is then pumped to service reservoirs before it is reticulated to customers,” the authority said in a statement.

“We will now work to restore water to all impacted areas, a process that may take several days for elevated areas.”

Residents believe that the only solution, for now, is to be prepared and keep water stored.

Schools affected

It has been estimated that more that half of Fiji’s population stays within the areas affected by the water cuts.

For many school children, it was time to stay at home following a directive by the Minister for Education Rosy Akbar, that schools between Nausori and Nadera be closed.

“We urge parents to watch over their children during this closure and ensure that they do not get into trouble or endanger themselves,” said Ms Akbar.

“Parental responsibility is critically important during emergencies like this and we hope parents take the safety of their children seriously.”

Heads of schools and teachers were to report for duty as normal.

Around 10 am, areas in suburban Suva, including Samabula, Tamavua, Tacirua and even Toorak were without water. Water carting trucks were dispatched to these areas.

Anaseini Ledua, 42, said she could not send her children to school because there was no water supply at home, even though their school was not in the zone.

Nausori areas

People living outside of Nausori, some even further than Baulevu were also affected. Women said their children had stayed home, but they made the effort to come to work in order to get paid.

“We miss work, we know there is someone there to take our place,” said Mereoni Ucavanua, 51.

Roshni Mala, 35, said areas in Lakena were also without water by yesterday morning.

Areas affected: Nausori, Rewa Delta, Sawani, Lakena, Baulevu, Kiuva, Cautata, Wainibokasi, Naililili, Lokia, Waila Housing, Nakasi, Koronivia, Omkar, Narere, Navosai, Tovata, Makoi, Kalabu, Pilling, Nadawa, Nepani, Nadera, Kinoya, Nasinu, Valelevu, Tacirua East, Khalsa Road, Cunningham, Fletcher Road, Raiwaqa, Raiwai, Vatuwaqa, Nabua, Sukanaivalu. Upper Ragg, Dokanaisuva, Coloisuva and all nearby areas.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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