‘We Are Fortunate To Have Access To Clean Water’

We are fortunate to have drinking water because in some parts of the world people do not have proper drinking water says Kamla Wati.

The 74-year-old grandmother from Dreketi Lailai outside Labasa said people in Fiji are fortunate to have access to clean water for their daily use.

“Those living in the urban areas are fortunate that they have access to clean water,” Ms Wati said.

“For us in the remote areas we are lucky to be close to streams and rivers as only those close to urban areas have piped water,” she said.

She has been living at Dreketi Lailai settlement for more than 50 years.

Today is World Water Day. This day is observed annually to raise awareness about the vital importance of water.

This year’s theme is Water and Climate Change.

“During dry weather we get water from Water Authority of Fiji (WAF); water carting is done once a week during this time.

“We would save water supplied by WAF for drinking; for bathing and washing clothes we go to the Dreketi Lailai River.

“In dry season there would be more people doing their washing from the river than in the rainy season.”

Ms Wati goes down to the river to wash clothes almost every afternoon.

She usually waits for her two grandchildren to return from school before the trio head to the nearby river.

Her grandchildren attend Bulileka Primary School.

Ms Wati lives with her son, daughter-in-law and three grandchildren.

“We do not only come here to wash our clothes, we also bring our pots and dishes.

“We also cart water from here to water our crops. We sometimes also catch fish and my grandchildren love coming down here to play in the water.”

Wati said in the rainy season they save water from the rain as it usually takes days before the water from the river is safe to use.

“Flooding turns water muddy and sometimes extraction of gravel up river dirties the river.

“In the dry season the river water level is low.

“This river plays a vital role to the people of Dreketi Lailai.

“We should all use water wisely as water is a basic need.”

Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola

Feedback: renu.radhika@fijisun.com.fj