VILLAGERS of Reko village on Savo, Central Island Province are faced with a challenge to fetch underground water after coastal erosion and rising tides continue to affect their water source.

Speaking to the paper last week, a concerned elder from the Reko Village Jerome Narasia said, over the past months villagers continue to notice changes in sea tide which affects wells and streams.

“We depend on dugout wells located near the coast to fetch water. But since last year, our coastal area continue to experience coastal erosion.”

Narasia recalled that in the past, they normally fetch water from dugout wells and streams along coast to use for bathing, washing and cooking.

Its because there are lack of a proper piped water supply system at the village.

“But as the sea tide keeps keep rising, some of our dugout wells are covered under sand or disappear,” Narasia said.

He claimed that in 2021 Savo island experienced a slight reaction from volcano which forced many villagers to evacuate to Visale and some other parts of Guadalcanal.

“Since then, we started experiencing changes to our coastal erosion,” he added. 

He appeals to responsible authorities to visit Savo and assist the villagers address their concerns.

By John Chrisma

Solomon Star