The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) has launched a nationwide campaign to increase awareness on the importance of water conservation to members of the public during the prolonged dry spell period.
WAF Board Director, Mr Kamal Gounder said the two-month campaign will feature tips on saving water.
“Every customer should be aware of the impact of the prolonged dry spell and the need for everyone to conserve water during this low to no rainfall period. To minimize wastage, we need to do our bit to encourage others who are wasting water to stop, so at the end of the day, we can prolong the water resources up in the hills or the water storage in the reservoirs and tanks,” said Mr Gounder.
Mr Gounder said the campaign is prompted with a focus on encouraging members of the public to ‘simply save water and not to be extravagant, with the dry spell facing the country, it’s important that we act now’.
“While there has been some relief as rain has fallen in parts of the Central Division, it must be advised that there is a dry weather spell that is expected to last till end of October. When that happens, people will need assistance with water as it may become scarce,” said Mr Gounder.
“The tips on conserving water will be ongoing, reminding household members of actions they can take to reduce wastage. Because water is so inexpensive at 15cents for 1000 litres, many people have come to believe that this is an inexhaustible supply but we want to advise that it is not especially in times of like this. And during times like this, the Authority needs to cart water to rural areas, and this does not come cheap,” explained Mr Gounder.
Mr. Gounder said that the “delivery of clean and safe drinking water is a priority for WAF. All we need to do is just look around us to know that the change in climatic conditions and prolonged dry spells is a result of climate change.” I urge members of the public to please practice water conservation by ways of minimizing on the washing of cars, driveways as well as watering of gardens. We need to conserve water as every drop is precious,” said Mr Gounder.
WAF General Manager Customer Services, Sekove Uluinayau said that “every household should store up at least two days water supply for any emergency use. This back-up supply would sustain affected households until assistance arrives. WAF has implemented the rural water carting weekly schedule and kindly requests affected rural communities and households to abide by it, so all affected rural communities and households can be covered and provided the same assistance, equally,” said Mr Uluinayau.
“We must all do our part in saving water and also join the fight against climate change by choosing greener and carbon-free choices. We, at WAF have plans in place, looking at options like solar-powered treatment plants and pumping stations; however, this will take time to implement,” explained Mr Uluinayau.
Mr Uluinayau encouraged Fijians to do their part and use water sparingly as every drop is precious and also encouraged Fijians to practice the save-water tips that will feature in the newspapers, radio, theatres, and television in the coming days.
“The timing of this campaign is important and making our people aware of the challenges is extremely important. We need to save water. There are times when the rains do not provide enough water to satisfy our needs. We have to continually build up our water supplies to make sure that when there is too little rain, we still have enough,” he said.
WAF has reactivated its emergency toll-free contact line 1507 and email waterhelp@waf.com.fj where affected customers can make their requests for water carting services.
Mr Uluinayau said the Authority will assist affected customers facing water shortages through water carting.
“We continue to encourage those that are facing concerns with their water supply in the rural areas to contact WAF on toll-free number 1507, this channel of communication is kept open and we will continue to assist our affected customers in the best way that we can,” said Mr Uluinayau.
Customers are to take note of their service order numbers which will be issued by WAF for reference and follow-up purposes. Meanwhile, the rural water carting schedule is available on the WAF website. www.waterauthority.com.fj or Facebook page ‘Water Authority of Fiji’.
Finally, the Authority is requesting the public to report any wastage of water you see in your neighborhood by taking photos and videos and forwarding it to Authority.
-ENDS-
KEY CONTACT DETAILS FOR WATER CARTING REQUESTS:
- TOLL – FREE SHORTCODE – 1507 (Available to all network)
CENTRAL/EASTERN DIVISION:
- Regional Manager – Ilisoni Saladuadua on 9104 022
- Water Carting Co-ordinators – Dialanieta Dimaiverata on 9104 177 or Ateca Bolakania on 9104 732
WESTERN DIVISION:
- Regional Manager – Romuluse Mataitoga on 9104 397
- Water Carting Co-ordinators – Jamie Darren on 9104 189 or Fanny Levuilowa on 9129 886
NORTHERN DIVISION:
- Regional Manager – Apete Radrodrolagi on 9104 805
- Water Carting Co-ordinator – Miliana Vueti on 9161 710.