Inconsistent water supply are keeping children out of school in parts of Taveuni

Residents in parts of Taveuni are raising concerns over ongoing delays in water carting, claiming families are being left without reliable access to water.

Vuna Estate resident Benlanzoe Tikotikoca said her family had requested water last week but were still waiting for delivery.

"My mum filed a request last week and after several attempts, it was finally picked up on Thursday and a request number was issued," Ms Tikotikoca said.

"Since then, there has been no follow-up."

Ms Tikotikoca said two households, including about 10 to 13 children aged between two and 18, had been affected.

During the dry spell, families were forced to walk about 20 minutes to a nearby home to collect water in small containers.

"This is only possible because an elderly couple nearby has water, but that supply is meant for just two people," she said.

Ms Tikotikoca claimed repeated calls to authorities were either diverted or went unanswered, with no indication of when water would be delivered. She also alleged that water distribution was inconsistent.

The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) has been contacted for comment. A response was still pending when this edition went to press.

"We hear it's about who you know. Some drivers fill water for people they know and give limited amounts to others," Ms Tikotikoca said.

She said the situation in areas such as Vuna and Navakawau was particularly severe because there were no alternative water sources.

With rivers dried up, some of the remaining water sources were dirty and unsafe. Ms Tikotikoca said the shortage had also affected school attendance.

"Today most of students didn't go to school because there was no water," she said.

Another Vuna resident, who requested anonymity, said the concerns were shared across the community.

"All my concerns and worries are the same ones I hear from everyone," the resident said.

"Responses can take days or sometimes there is no response at all, while some people seem to get water quicker than others."

The resident also questioned the timing of water deliveries.

"There are times when water is carted after rainfall, when it is not urgently needed. But during dry spells like the one we are experiencing now, people struggle to get any water at all," the resident said.

The issue is affecting many families in the southern part of the island.