Re: TC Sarai – WAF Situation Report No 1 as at 1800 Hours, 27 December 2019
This situation report entails the status of the Water Authority of Fiji’s assets around the country during Tropical Cyclone Sarai:
- WAF is working around the clock to provide consistent water supply to all Fijians.
- Repairs will be carried out and water supply will be normalized once the flood waters subside to allow WAF crew members to access the affected areas.
- The restoration operation will depend on the weather conditions.
- Members of the public are requested to store and boil all drinking water.
- WAF continues to inform customers on water disruptions through text messages, WAF website www.waterauthority.com.fj and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/WaterAuthorityofFiji/
- Water carting trucks are on standby to service the affected areas as and when the need arises.
- The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) requests members of the public that require water carting services, to please contact the National Call Centre on 334 6777 or 5777.
For further inquiries, customers can call 334 6777 or 5777 (Vodafone, Digicel & Inkk users) or email contact@waf.com.fj
Status of water supply around Fiji are as follows:
CENTRAL / EASTERN DIVISION
All major water treatment plants such as Tamavua and Waila continue to operate as normal, for now.
However, the Waila Water Treatment Plant is operating under reduced capacity due to the Viti Levu wide electricity outage that was experienced earlier today (27/12).
Low reservoir levels culminating in low pressure to customers may be expected by customers in the Suva Nausori Corridor.
WESTERN DIVISION
Sigatoka District: Water supply is currently disrupted to areas in Sigatoka due to an electricity outage at the Matovo Water Treatment Plant as of 4pm (27/12).
Affected areas include: Parts of Sigatoka Town, Lawaqa, Rakirakilevu, Olo-Olo, Olosara, Tulalevu, Malaqereqere, Uluisila, and Naidovi.
Earlier today water supply was temporarily disrupted to the Nacocolevu Government Station, Korokoro Nasau, Malevu Village, Tubakula Resort and customers along the Korotogo Back Road due to two burst mains (80mm and 150mm inlet pipes) to Nacocolevu Reservoir.
Keiyasi: An unplanned water disruption is currently being experienced by customers in Keiyasi due to high turbidity water from Keiyasi intake due to flooding. Water pumps have been switched off due to flooding and high turbidity in water around 1:30pm today (27/12).
No timeframe given for the disruptions as this is dependent on the current weather conditions.
Nadi District: Due to strong winds, the Nagado to Vaturu Dam Access road was blocked due to fallen trees on access road which was cleared by mid-day today. The Infrastructure from Vaturu to Nagado is operating normally with no damage.
Lautoka District: Operations Normal
Buabua Water Treatment Plant – Operations Normal
Saru Water Treatment Plant – As of 4pm this afternoon, raw water from Varaqe Dam to Saru Water Treatment Plant was closed due to suspected clogged intake screen which is due to heavy downpour at the catchment. WAF team will mobilize to catchment once water levels recede.
Ba District – Balevuto Intake Dam is closed due to high turbidity.
Tavua District – Operations Normal
Rakiraki District – Operations Normal
NORTHERN DIVISION
Labasa – Water supply is currently disrupted until further notice to customers in Vunivau, Batinikama, Soasoa, Vunika, Basoga and Bulileka due to blockages at the raw-water intake at Nasealevu caused by severe flooding and heavy rain.
Savusavu – Both water systems are operating at full capacity, no major issues due to the current weather conditions. Water carting trucks are on standby for urgent water requests.
Taveuni – Water system operating at full capacity for Mua and Naselelsele, no major issues due to the current weather conditions.
Navaca Desalination Plant – Desalination Plant is in normal operation, Qarawalu reservoirs are supplying water to the North of Taveuni metered customers. Due to heavy rain, water carting operations have been decreased, members of the public have been advised to harvest rain water.