Thousands without water
15-Jan-2009 10:16 AM
THE heavy rains have not only brought in more water than needed, they have led to floods that have damaged water supply systems in many parts of the western division.
One of the most critically affected districts is Sigatoka.
The Sigatoka Water Supply (SWS) has closed all its water pumps to its area of service as a result of electricity cuts and contamination of its water dams.
Also, the main water piper that serves the area towards the Suva side of the Queens Road has been broken.
The pipe ran along the old bridge that had its Laselase end broken by a flood Sigatoka River.
By yesterday, SWS workers have closed four water pumps; Matovo, Voua while Qereqere and Korotogo, with borehole pumps, does not have enough to supply to the whole area.
The area has been affected since Friday last week before the old Sigatoka bridge broke with the main water pipe when water supply was turned off due to the power cut as water rises.
To make matters worse, only three water trucks from Suva are carting water to areas from as far as Korotogo to Cuvu as the Lautoka station is using all the West trucks for Nadi, Lautoka and Ba area.
SWS officer Lanieta Leweniqila confirmed the water pumps are being closed down and the boreholes in Lawaqa, Qereqere and Korotogo will not be able to meet the needs of the area.
“We only count on water meters and it is more than 4000 from Korotogo to Cuvu. All these pumps are run by electricity and when water level rises, they had to be turned off as it could cause electric shock again and more damage. Electricity too is being turned off here in Sigatoka making matters worse,” Leweniqila said.
The 4000+ water meters includes their domestic and commercial clients with big hotels as on Baravi that houses thousands of tourists also affected.
She added some technical officials from Suva were sent down on Monday and installed a new pump at Matovo dam but later yesterday was turned off due to the rising water.
“Water from boreholes of Qereqere and Korotogo are being rationed and carted by the three trucks from Suva and all our workers and technical officials are out in the field trying their best to sort out this problem,” Leweniqila said.
She added their treatment plants have also been flooded meaning trucks will be carting untreated, contaminated water.
“We urge the public to store up rain water for drinking because the water we are supplying might be contaminated and could only be used for washing. Factors affecting us are beyond our control and we can not do much until the water level drops,” Leweniqila said.
By SAMUELA GUCAKE |
