In brief
Fiji's government has issued a nationwide water‑conservation appeal as El Nino threatens a prolonged drought. Households are urged to ration, store, and prioritize water for essential uses, and farmers advised to monitor crops and livestock. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Works has opened a new Water Authority depot in Lakeba, enhancing water services for the Lau Group.
Fiji’s government has issued a nationwide warning, urging residents to conserve water and build household reserves as El Nio‑induced dry spells threaten the country’s already strained supplies, Xinhua reported on Monday. The advisory stresses that continued dryness could place significant pressure on water sources and that early preparation is vital.
Officials advise households to implement water rationing, safely store available supplies, and prioritize essential needs such as drinking and cooking. The appeal also targets those relying on rainwater tanks, boreholes, wells, and other independent water supplies, encouraging prompt precautionary measures.
Farmers are on high alert, with authorities urging them to closely monitor crops, livestock, and available water supplies, and to seek early consultation with agricultural agencies to mitigate the impact of the dry conditions on livelihoods.
The Ministry of Public Works has opened a new Water Authority of Fiji depot in Lakeba, as part of broader infrastructure upgrades for the Lau Group. Ro Filipe Tuisawau, Minister for Public Works, said the facility, complete with a workshop and maintenance facilities, will strengthen support and improve water services for the island. “And also we commissioned the Lakeba hybrid power Lakaro project, where it is a combination of the old diesel generator, but now dominated by solar energy, a solar project. So that gives a lot of savings as far as diesel use is concerned, and we are moving to renewable energy,” he added.
Despite these improvements, officials acknowledge that reaching some remote and maritime communities may present logistical challenges and take time, and they continue to provide assistance such as water carting for affected areas.
