A double celebration for Yaro Villagers in Kia this Christmas celebrating the birth of Christ and the completion of their new water sources.

The Minerals Resources Department (MRD) team along with the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) Labasa team had recently completed the maintenance and refurbishment of two boreholes in the village.

Village headman, Kemueli Lautiki, said they previously had three boreholes but it was non-operational.

Mr Lautiki said the newly refurbished boreholes would provide a reliable water source for the villagers to cater for their daily needs.

“I am overwhelmed with joy as these two boreholes were repaired after so many requests were made to the Government,” he said.

Mr Lautiki mentioned the struggles the villagers faced prior to the development and expressed his heartfelt thanks to the Government for hearing their pleas.

Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Jone Usamate is expected to visit the Island to commission the boreholes.

Meanwhile, drilling works on another borehole in Daku Village is currently underway.

Cyclone Preparations

Mr Lautiki said the MRD team along with Adventist Development Relief Agency (ADRA) held a workshop a few weeks ago where they were advised and educated on the preventative measures that should be initiated to prepare for the cyclones.

“After the workshop, we cut down trees near homes, properly secured the roofing and structure of our homes and preparation of window shutters,” he said.

During Tropical Cyclone Yasa last December, more than 10 houses were partially or severely destroyed.

The village is home to 146 residents.

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