Tomuka residents frustrated after burst pipe floods homes

Residents of Tomuka Settlement in Lautoka say they are frustrated with the response to a burst water pipe that caused flooding, property damage and disruption to families in the area.

One affected resident, Nariza Zaria Khan, said the pipe burst at about 8.30am on Monday after heavy rain washed away soil, leaving the water pipe exposed.

She said residents had previously raised concerns about the exposed pipe and called for it to be properly installed underground, but no action had been taken.

Ms Khan said residents repeatedly tried contacting the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) by phone but received no response.

She said her mother-in-law also visited WAF’s office seeking assistance but was unsuccessful.

Ms Khan eventually emailed the authority’s Suva office and received a response about two hours later.

She said WAF attended the area and carried out repairs on Tuesday, but she remained concerned about the quality of the work.

According to Ms Khan, workers placed sand around the damaged section, but water continued to leak after the repairs were completed.

She also claimed that a leaking Government water meter had been left unattended.

Ms Khan said the continuing leakage had affected neighbouring properties, with several families experiencing flooding and disruption to their daily routines.

She said children from affected homes had been forced to bathe at the site of the burst pipe because of the disruption to their water supply.

Another resident, Rosy Pickering, also experienced difficulties contacting WAF and shared concerns about the situation.

Residents said more than 10 families had been affected by the incident. The road also serves as an access route to a local church.

Ms Khan said residents wanted the pipe properly secured and the drainage issue addressed to prevent a similar incident.

WAF reportedly attended the site and carried out repairs on Tuesday.