Villagers have risen above their ongoing water problems so that Tavea Island Kindergarten in Bua Province could open for classes yesterday.

This was confirmed by the Tavea Village headman, Josevata Veibete.

On the island, there is only one school facility with one teacher and five preschoolers.

Last week, he raised his concern because 50 families from a population of 233 had been without water for three weeks since their water source, which is the spring, dried up.

“In discussion with the Water Authority of Fiji and District Office of Bua we managed to get water carted from the main island last Wednesday,” Mr Veibete said.

“From this week, we get water from the reservoir on the mainland between 6am to 9am and then 5pm-6pm.”

He said the entire village regrouped to assist with the opening of the kindergarten because they don’t want to see children missing classes.

The isanders have finally located their water source which is at Korokadi in Bua.

The kindergarten was opened in March, 2022.

Students and teachers during the opening of Tavea Island Kindergarten in Bua on March 12, 2022.

Response from (WAF)

The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) confirmed it was aware of the situation and was assisting the village by carting water regularly

It is also developing a proposal for a new rural water scheme with a more reliable source. This is organised with help from the Commissioner Northern’s Office.

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