Bula

Three stories make the front page of The Fiji Times for Friday, October 4.

There still is a lot of attention on the revelations by former deputy commissioner of FICAC Francis Pulewai. The latest news is that it’s on now! The public can expect to know the names of members of the Commission of Inquiry into the appointment FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali and the claims made by Ms Pulewai, next week. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has confirmed that Cabinet will meet on Tuesday to discuss a paper for the establishment of the commission, which he said, would examine controversies surrounding FICAC. A Term of Reference and list of suggested members of the COI would be included in the paper for Cabinet. The COI may include overseas members.

We have a story about financial status. A total of $1.6billion of debt in the books of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) is guaranteed by the Government of Fiji. This is according to the Ministry of Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics, which recently released Government’s provisional financial results for the fiscal year ended July 2024.

And school continues on Friday. That’s the word from Education Minister Aseri Radrodro who says schools are prepared for the water disruptions.

Synopsis

Staring at our water challenges in the face!

There’s a lot of talk going on about the three-day water cut that is set to affect the Suva-Nausori corridor from today.

The Water Authority of Fiji says it’s a planned water disruption and is on the Viria water supply to Waila Water Treatment Plant Connection Works.

According to WAF chief operating officer, Seru Soderberg, work is set to connect a 900 pipeline coming out of Viria to one of the three pipes that comes out of Waila, to the Wainibuku reservoir.

This, he said, would impact total water flow into Wainibuku from Waila, and would only account for 60 per cent of the 100.

The word is that work started midnight on Thursday.

And we are told that it is important work that needs to be done now.

Fixing this will mitigate a “big risk” in Waila, in terms of providing and sustaining supply to about 40 per cent of the population!

He has urged residents in the affected areas to store as much water as possible.

While we look up to the powers that be to do what is right for our sake, and for the country, we reflect on major challenges for those not prepared for this water cut.

We reflect on those facing challenges to store water over three days.

Letter writers to the editor are already picking out issues we should consider.

There is the issue of inconvenience to families. It will impact sanitation, health, businesses, offices, education, and restaurants to name a few and there are other associated challenges.

So there is hope that solutions have been carefully considered, and we have enough trucks to provide relief for people running out of water on the second or third day. We hope that WAF has considered this in their planning and has arranged for enough water trucks to deliver supplies to those in need.

For whatever it is worth, our challenge right now is to be prepared. That means storing water as WAF wants us to do. It means being considerate about how we use water over the next three days and being mindful of our limitations.

So as we prepare for the disruption to our water supply, let’s try to understand the necessity, and the implications for us all.

It is time that we reflect on our long-term water management practices.

This disruption is a major inconvenience for thousands of people living along the Suva-Nausori corridor! It is disruptive! There will be sceptics unhappy with the turn of events! It’s not something the masses want! It is already raising frustration and anger. But, in saying that, it also offers us an opportunity to advocate for efficient water use moving forward, and to consider the importance of investing in our water infrastructure. We hope this will assist in ending the water woes of thousands of long-suffering residents! That would be positive!