Taveuni, Labasa families fetch water from rivers as taps run dry

Residents in Taveuni and Labasa are facing a full-blown water crisis, with taps running dry for weeks and limited water carting failing to meet demand.

Families, including children, the elderly, and expectant mothers, are forced to drink river water and use seawater for daily chores.

In Taveuni, nearly 170 students of Naselesele Primary School have missed full days of classes as homes go without water. Parent Tevita Seru said: “This has been going on for more than two months.

“No one from Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) or the Government has informed us about the cause or a solution.”

Villagers along Vacala to Wiwi receive water only after repeated complaints.

Resident Irinale Sovea said: “Government leaders from Taveuni talk about leaving no one behind. Here we are, a living example of being left behind.

“Children, elderly, and expecting mothers are suffering.”

Labasa residents of Vuo Village, Malau, Vunika, and Vunivau have endured frequent cuts the past three weeks. Jone Lequ of Vuo said: “Those without phones must travel by bus to the Labasa Market to fill containers, sometimes waiting in line for hours.

“It is exhausting, especially for the elderly and children.”

Surendra Lal of Vunika called for water carts to every home, warning that the mountain source has dried up.

Michael Chetty of Malau said: “We have a family, and life is difficult without water. More than seven homes in our area are affected.”

Minister responds to water crisis

In response to the ongoing water crisis, Minister for Public Works and Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau stated today that the supply issues in both Taveuni and Labasa are primarily due to reduced source yields following extended dry conditions.

He said the WAF has implemented a range of short-term mitigation measures to maintain minimum service levels for customers in both areas. In Taveuni, water is being supplied from the Mua source.

“Currently, the Mua source yield has dropped significantly due to the prolonged dry spell,” Mr Tuisawau said. “The volume of water available is below system demand, resulting in intermittent supply to several communities.”

WAF has been carting water daily to affected areas, but due to the large service area and high demand, additional carting capacity is needed.

“One of the solutions is the dispatch of an extra water carting truck from Viti Levu to Vanua Levu to supplement the three trucks already in operation,” he said.

“Additionally, WAF will begin installing community water storage tanks across affected areas this week to improve local access and storage resilience.”

Labasa affected areas

Mr Tuisawau confirmed that the Vunika Water System is also experiencing reduced yield due to dry weather conditions. He acknowledged reports of intermittent supply and low pressure from customers.

He said a recent pipeline fault caused further disruption to the Labasa network, but repairs have been completed. Flushing and re-pressurisation works are currently underway to restore full supply.

“WAF will continue water carting to sustain minimum service levels,” he said. “Controlled evening valve operations are being conducted to channel water from the Labasa system into Vunika to extend service coverage.”

He added that this may cause temporary low pressure for Labasa customers during those hours.

Residents are hoping the $284 million allocated in the 2025–2026 National Budget to upgrade water infrastructure will finally resolve these long-standing issues. 

Feedback: shratikan@fijisun.com.fj