Nasealevu Villagers Threaten Government on Water Cut-Off

Headman Salomone Tubou has affirmed that Nasealevu villagers stand ready to shut down Labasa's primary water catchment if their longstanding demand for a proper road is not addressed by April 1.

For more than a decade, this critical water source has sustained the essential needs of the greater Labasa area, encompassing vital institutions such as hospitals, schools, and the bustling central business district.

With more than 28,000 people directly reliant on this water supply, the repercussions of its closure will be profound and immediate.

For the past 50 years, the villagers have been requesting the Government and relevant authorities to provide them with a proper road that will allow access to necessities.

“We want nothing more than a proper road,” Mr Tubou stressed.

“The whole of Labasa is supplied from this water source at Nasealevu, but many don’t realise that landowners are suffering.

“We are still walking on the old road, just like in the 1950s.

“We have collectively agreed that come the end of March, and if no one listens to our plea, we will stop the water flow from the catchment.”

Nasealevu Village headman Salomone Tubou on February 27, 2024, at the main waterfall that provides water supply for Labasa Town. Photo: Jone Salusalu

Letter to PM

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is aware of the villagers’ cry for a proper road.

Last year in August, Mr Rabuka visited Dogoru Village, where concerns were raised about the inconsistency from relevant authorities in addressing their request for a proper road.

Fiji Sun obtained a copy of a letter sent to Mr Rabuka on June 8, 2023. They had channelled their anger at always being referred from one government department to another while the Government uses their natural resources.

“Our forefathers have been pleading since the Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, Doctor Bavadra, Rabuka, and Chaudhry Governments,” said the village headman in their letter.

“Which were all processed down the drain from the bin,” the letter said.

“The younger generation has also requested the Qarase and Bainimarama Governments.”

Ministry of Public Works

Minister for Public Works Ro Filipe Tuisawau concurs with the concern.

“I agree that some roads are very poor,” Ro Filipe said.

“I have been there and understand the situation.

“We are looking into this and will prioritise them in the upgrading programme.”

Ro Filipe said everyone must be patient because the ministry will organise the delivery of road services in rural areas and as well as other essentials such as water and energy.

“The PWD has been totally decimated,” the minister said.

“All machines have disappeared, so we are still rebuilding.”

Ro Filipe is urging all parties involved to be patient and refrain from such threats, but to engage in dialogue and cooperation.

He has advised his team in the northern division, Commissioner Northern Uraia Rainima and Roko Tui Macuata Kalivati Rabuka, to engage in dialogue.

Feedback: jone.salusalu@fijisun.com.fj