An integrated collaboration by the Ministry of Waterways and the local communities will soon be undertaken to address the water crisis at Ellington in Rakiraki due to extremely dry weather.
This was the reassurance by the Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment, Hon. Dr. Mahendra Reddy while meeting farmers from Ellington, Nariya and Rarapatu in Rakiraki yesterday.
While raising concerns on behalf of about 15 farmers and households, 55 year old Joe Cagi said farming activities have been adversely affected during the dry season.
“Drought is a major issue we are facing here and at times there is no water for several days in the house as well as in the farms and this results in the decease of agricultural production,” he said.
He added that addressing the issue will result in an increase in agricultural activity and also assisting families with access to adequate water supply.
In his response, Minister Reddy reiterated that providing access to water remained a key priority for the Fijian Government to ensure the continued development of such isolated communities and the country as a whole.
He said his other line Ministries will take immediate action to construct a bore hole which will further address the issue of drought for about 15 farming households in the community.
Dr. Reddy has however emphasised that these water sources would be for communal use and will not be specifically for an individual household as this project will benefit more than 15 houses in the community.