Crew Brave The Flood To Restore Water
Water Authority of Fiji staff worked around the clock to clear block pumps and to de-silt the water treatment plant clarifier which had excessive sludge.
Monday 08 February 2021 | 12:47
Water Authority of Fiji crew clear block pumps and to de-silt the water treatment plant clarifier which had excessive sludge. Photo: Water Authority of Fiji
A crew of 27 men from the Water Authority of Fiji in Sigatoka, Lautoka and Nadi braved the rain and floodwaters to restore water to more than 20,000 customers in Sigatoka.
The aftermath of TC Ana found Matovo water treatment plant’s raw water intake in Sigatoka flooded causing blockages on all six main raw water pumps.
WAF staff worked around the clock to clear block pumps and to de-silt the water treatment plant clarifier which had excessive sludge.
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Team Leader DMA, Timoci Nawaibalavu said, one team was faced with a lot of challenges due to the continuous rain, strong current and high raw water turbidity (928 NTU).
“Excessive flooding has made it difficult for divers to clear the blocked pumps because the strong current and the deep location of the pumps have kept divers from diving, for their own safety,” he said.
Mr Nawaibalavu said, “a total of eight water carting trucks per day servicing the affected areas, prioritising Sigatoka Hospital. Most customers were relying on rain water harvesting.”
With the clearing completed on five raw water pumps, the Matovo water treatment plant now has an inflow of 15MLD and is progressively supplying water back to its customers. The sixth pump is still in the cleaning stages.
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