Northern Water Cart Probe: Investigations On Alleged Discriminatory Services

The Water Authority of Fiji is investigating its water carting contractors for alleged discriminatory services in the Northern Division.

It comes after parts of Labasa experienced water cuts because of four burst mains. While the customers were assured that they should expect water carting services in the area, some parts were provided, while others weren’t.

Authority chief executive officer Barry Omundson said: “Residents in affected areas contacted WAF and alleged that water carting truck drivers were being rude and in cases deliberately missing their areas for places where they knew people.

“This behaviour is unwarranted and unacceptable, and we will terminate any contractor who participates in this.

“The Water Authority of Fiji does not discriminate based on anyone’s background and we will ensure that contractors who are indulging in such activities are held accountable and taken to task.

“Our mandate is to ensure that every Fijian, regardless of demographic, location or socioeconomic background is able to access our services and we will continue to ensure that every Fijian gets access to water.

“Investigations into the alleged misconduct and discriminatory behaviour have begun.”

Mr Omundson also urged Fijians to be mindful of water levels at WAF dams which are at critical levels due to the drought season.

Residents’ complaints

Savitri Devi, 60, of Basoga, Labasa said she has had no water for eight days.

“From August 1, I have been calling and requesting WAF to restore our water supply,” Ms Devi said.

“Last Sunday around 4:30pm I could see the truck driver returning from my neighbour’s house.

“When I called him on mobile number, he yelled at me saying keep staying inside the house.

“Then when I told him that I caught him red-handed, he said okay I will come and give you water.”

The mother of four children said such kind of behaviour and attitude of drivers could not be tolerated.

“My husband and I are both old and cannot be wasting money, begging WAF or the driver to give water,” the grandmother of seven grandchildren said.

“Recently our water bill came up to $760 and this is the first time such a high bill came.

“We are already frustrated by coronavirus pandemic and the least we expect from WAF is loyal service.”

Sameer Hassan, of Vunika, Labasa, said for the past one week his six-member family has been without water.

“When I call WAF they said there is a burst main pipe, blockage at source and the water level at reservoir was low,” Mr Hassan said.

“When we call in the morning for water, they cart water late in the evening.”

He said the area he was residing had 20 houses and they all were facing similar problems.

Another resident, Safrieen Nisha, 23, of Solove, Labasa complained that the staff of WAF based in Labasa office were very rude.

“For four days we didn’t have water and every day I called to check,” Ms Nisha, a mother of two children said.

“I pay my bills so I should be treated with respect and not deprived of the service that I pay for.”

She said after four days of complaints, water supply was finally restored

But she doesn’t get water carted.

Minister comments

When contacted Minister for Infrastructure, Meteorological Services, Lands and Mineral Resources, Jone Usamate said he would look into the allegations.

Authority acting manager Infrastructure and Service Delivery Northern, Samuela Rokovaleusa, confirmed that Ms Devi had lodged her complaint with him yesterday morning and he would have a meeting with the contractor who was carting water.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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