Water on Rabi Island Unsafe to Drink
“Due to the effects of climate change and heat temperatures, we have noticed that water has become unsafe,” Dr Turaga said.
Friday 02 February 2024 | 09:59
Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr Atonio Lalabalavu and Rabi Health Centre senior medical officer, Dr Jone Turaga at Rabi Health Centre. Photo: Ministry of Health and Medical Services
Doctor Jone Turaga has declared that Rabi Island’s water source is no longer reliable and water is unsafe for people to drink.
The Rabi Health Centre senior medical officer, said this was due to climate change and the weather heat becoming unbearable. Water sources on the island, mostly boreholes, have dried up.
“Due to the effects of climate change and heat temperatures, we have noticed that water has become unsafe,” Dr Turaga said.
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“I raised this with the minister.”
The island heavily depends on boreholes and rainwater as water sources.
These are slowly failing them.
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The Rabi Health Centre, which oversees the medical facilities on Kioa, Tukavesi, and Natewa Bay, is categorised as Level A.
Dr Turaga said the services offered by Level A health clinics were comparable to those frequently found at hospitals at the divisional and sub-divisional levels.
“The only source of water on this island is rain and boreholes,” Dr Turaga said.
“Over time, from the medical perspective, water is really not safe to drink.”
Dr Turaga revealed that the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has branched out to help the island from this challenge.
“Dr Lalabalavu said UNICEF had come on board to provide water tanks.”
“We welcome this, and I hope this will benefit the people on the island and their generation.”
Feedback: jone.salusalu@fijisun.com.fj
