The Commissioner Western’s Office is taking a proactive approach in dealing with dry weather conditions in the division especially those in nearby islands.
District officer Jioji Waqavonovono said more than 310,000 liters of water was carted to the Mamanuca Group, Yasawa Group and Vatulele Island at the end of last week to cater for about 3000 Fijians in the islands.
Mr Waqavonovono said that 110,000 liters of water was transported by a barge to the Mamanuca Group for Solevu Health Center, Malolo Island and schools in the group while another 100,000 litres was transported to Naviti in Yasawa.
“The water transported to the health centres and schools should last for about a month as water should be conserved as much as possible. It should not be put to waste and we urge the affected people to use water wisely,” Mr Waqavonovono said.
He highlighted that according to the Nadi Weather Office, there was below average rainfall recorded for the months of June and July.
“We did not record much rainfall for the month of July as well and we are predicting that it will be the same for August and September.
“This is where the red alert comes in because of the prolonged dry season. As a result of this, most of the wells and the water supplies through roof catchments and boreholes that were dug on the islands, have dried up,” Mr Waqavonovono added.
The Office of the Commissioner Western is also preparing for water cuts in the division and is calling on people to use water wisely.
“We are trying to get people to use water sparingly as much as possible now. We are also closely monitoring reports from the Nadi Weather Office,” Mr Waqavonovono said.
MINFO