14 Nov 2013

Water woes in Tonga's Ha'apai result in hospital patients discharged

4:25 pm on 14 November 2013

About 2,000 residents of Hihifo in Ha'apai island in Tonga have been experiencing inconsistent water supply this week.

The water problem has affected operations at Niu'ui Hospital and many homes on the island.

Radio Tonga's correspondent, Moimoi Fakahua, says some hospital patients have been discharged, with just two critical patients remaining in care.

The problems have been put down to a water pump issue.

The island has also not had any rainfall in recent months and levels in water tanks are low.