Twenty Vunivere families without water for two weeks

Around 20 families in Vunivere, Seaqaqa, Macuata have been without a reliable water supply for the past two weeks, forcing children to arrive late for school, disrupting farming activities and leaving residents dependent on rainwater and nearby rivers.

Residents fear the situation will continue unless a permanent solution is found.

The affected families said repeated pleas for assistance had gone unanswered, leaving them without access to one of life's most basic needs — clean water.

The Fiji Sun team visited the settlement yesterday and witnessed residents relying on rainwater harvesting while others travelled long distances to collect drinking water.

Resident and sugarcane farmer Ilisoni Nate said they had voted for a government they believed would improve their lives, but their hopes were now being tested.

He said schoolchildren were among those hardest hit.

"My grandchildren reach school late because they have to use the remaining water to prepare for the new school day," he said.

Mr Nate said the water shortage was also affecting sugarcane harvesting and other farming activities.

Resident Atish Kumar said the community was disappointed with the response from the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF).

He said sugarcane farmers, vegetable growers, students, elderly residents and homemakers were all struggling because of the shortage.

"We cannot survive with continuous water disruptions; we need a permanent solution to this problem," Mr Kumar said.

He also questioned the effectiveness of local leadership in addressing the issue.

Residents have turned to rainwater harvesting, while others use nearby rivers and creeks for bathing.

However, resident Anand Sami said relying on those sources raised health concerns.

"We use the river for bathing, but for drinking water, we have to travel to Natua or the Seaqaqa business area, which is far from our settlement," the 36-year-old sugarcane farmer said.

Mr Sami, who lives with nine family members, said residents hoped authorities would act urgently.

"Without water disruptions, water carting truck contractors do not make an income, but people should not have to suffer before services become available," he said.

Residents said no water carting truck had visited the settlement despite the prolonged disruption.

Attempts to obtain comments from the Water Authority of Fiji were unsuccessful before publication.

Minister for Public Works and Infrastructure Ro Filipe Tuisawau did not respond to requests for comment.

However, Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Mosese Bulitavu said he would instruct the district office and the WAF to investigate and resolve the issue.

Mr Bulitavu said the Government would ensure no Fijian was left without a proper water supply.