Letters To The Editor, 29th December 2018

Saturday 29 December 2018 | 11:20

Staff Writer

Levuka’s Baba Waterfall

Satish Nakched, Suva

Years ago a visit to the old capital would not be completed without a visit and a swim at the famous waterfall at Baba Village which is situated at the end of the town.

In order to reach there one has to go over a steep flight of the colonial constructed steps and such strenuous exercise is not only rewarded with a cool swim, but the sight from the foot of the beautiful slopes provides a perfect aerial shot of the entire Lomaiviti Group and Wakaya Island seems only a stone’s throw away.

The Baba Waterfall was presumably built around the 1930s by colonial administrators and heavily utilised by them during the summer.

The source of this majestic waterfall is a walkable distance from the waterfall where the coolest water gush out of the opening of the extinct volcanic rocks.

The air around the water pool has a musty odor emanating from the surrounding trees and rocks.

The minerals accompany the water to the surface when it comes into the contact with oxygen for the first time ever creates that unique smell only common where the water flows out of the hardened molten lava base.

The waterfall has a concrete wall about 30 feet in height built to contain the water in a pool that measured about 50 feet in width and about 30 feet in length.

The depth of the pool was about more than 20 feet and only the elite swimmers had the ability to dive down and bring up a handful of the pebbles.

The pool also has concrete steps leading into the water and at that time a shower and a change room was built next to the pool.

The top portion of the dam wall was about three feet wide and provided a footpath linkage to the houses on the other side. This waterfall was always full of swimmers and there were organised school trips as well to beat the heat.

The only other alternative swimming venue was at Naisosobu Waterfall in Waitovu Village but that was some distance away. Sadly the charm of this unbelievable swimming spot had faded away through flooding which damaged walls that could not absorb the impact of the constant heavy rain.

There is a huge crack on the wall that can collapse at any time and thus placing the residents living on the other side at a great risk.

I believe it is the responsibility of the Ministry of the Local Government and the Levuka Tourism Council to work together to restore this antique and the unique structure commonly known as “The falls” “The baths” or “ Bower’s pool “ to its former glory so that enjoyment can begin as it was done over so many generations ago.

I also take this opportunity to wish all the fellow writers ,readers and especially the people of Levuka a safe, healthy and a fun filled 2019.

Setting attainable goals

Dharmendra Kumar, Suva

Well, now is your chance to sit down and prepare a list of important changes you want to make in your life. It could be your lifestyle, career, education, or even spiritually.

Are you making a resolution for 2019?

More than half of all resolutions fail, but this year, they don’t have to be yours.

It can be daunting when your list of New Year’s resolutions is as long as your holiday shopping list.

However, it is important to remember that the New Year isn’t meant to serve as a catalyst for sweeping character changes. It is a time for people to reflect on their past year’s behavior and promise to make positive changes.

Setting small, attainable goals throughout the year, instead of a singular, overwhelming goal on January 1 is the best thing to do.

You will never change your life until you change something you do daily.

The secret of our success is found in our daily routine. Do not change because the new year is coming, but change for your own benefit.

No matter what resolutions you make, they start with you.

In this new year, let’s make this one simple resolution- we’re going to make a change for the better. Blessed 2019 and take care.

Utility overload

Simon Hazelman, Savusavu

Water, electricity and internet providers cannot sustain the influx of family and visitors who returned to Savusavu for the holidays.

Water and electricity shutdowns are a daily occurrence and the internet has reduced to a crawling speed!

Savusavu is in dire need of a substantial upgrade of all our utilities.

One wonders if those responsible are gauging the cause?

Indeed a festive season overload of everything!