Transcript
ASERI RADRODRO: [We want] to urge government to solve the water crisis that we have had and continue to have over the recent days. Government has made a statement that water disruptions are likely to be faced in the west, especially affecting Nadi residents, businesses and visitors, likely to go over a period of two months due to some kind of algae growth affecting the quality of the water. This water problem is affecting a whole lot of people around Fiji, not only residents and homes, it's affecting businesses, it's affecting hotels, affecting schools, hospitals and many other sectors which is [being] affected by this water disruption.
KORO VAKA'UTA: The extent seems to be quite widespread across the country but you have spoken to people around Nadi for example who have had issues with clothing, with skin, with hair.
AR: We have some communications from residents in Nadi. From a young mother who communicated that she was facing much problems with washing her new-born's clothes and napkins. Others have also communicated about poor drinking water difficulties that they [have found]. Some have contracted skin diseases, have not washed their hands or hair over a period of three weeks or more. Some of these concerns, they have now seen these 'luxuries' to be only a dream for them.
KV: Where does the problem lie do you think? Is it an ageing system? Is is administration? How has the water system got to this point?
AR: Well it's good that some areas of Suva have got their water supply reinstated again but we hope this will continue as normal as we go forward. Especially for those in the Nadi area, as announced by government, for a period of two months they need to be catered for and see how best the government can address their concerns.
KV: You have called on the Water Authority and the government to work expeditiously on this?
AR: Yes I think we've urged government to see who is sleeping on the job. I think the concern here, Koro, is government needs to get its priorities right, to focus first on the domestic issues before we go international. We cannot be complacent to providing resources to our people. We cannot afford to prioritise international commitments over domestic duties. The concerns about the funds that have been put into the [Water Authority] organisation. I think I've mentioned that the government has allocated close to one billion [Fiji] dollars over the last three years and that is a concern how with all this issues that are creeping out and the water disruptions given what the government has poured into Water Authority of Fiji.
KV: I guess there are questions with how this money has been spent?
AR: Yes that is a concern and that is what we would like to know. Where has all this money gone to?
