Forest Fire Affects 3 Water Sources

About 200 residents are now without access to safe drinking water after a wildfire spread through the mountains at Viani Bay, Ucuni­vatu in Cakaudrove Province.

Most water sources are located uphill.

The fire is believed to have started on Wednesday on one side of the mountain, then it slowly spread towards the shoreline.

A diving academy at Ucunivatu, Fiji Sea Salt manager, Jone Wait­aiki, said there were four settle­ments in the area.

“It is challenging here given the area is only accessed by fiberglass boat, it is far from the main towns of Savusavu and Labasa, but it only takes 20 minutes to reach Taveuni,” Mr Waitaiki said.”

“Really, we don’t know who to call, the Police or the National Fire Authority because we’re sort of isolated over here.”

When Fiji Sun made initial con­tact with Mr Waitaiki on Thurs­day, the mountains was still on fire.

Ucunivatu Primary School, is lo­cated within the area.

Divisional Education Officer North, Iliseva Volai said she had not received any report that the school was affected.

The Minister for Rural, Mari­time Development, and Disaster Management Sakiasa Ditoka said: “The District Advisory Councilor of that area had sent the mes­sage to Advisory District Officer (ADO) Savusavu about the fire at Viani.’

Feedback: jone.salusalu@fijisun.com.fj