In brief
On Nov. 9, a Xinhua‑issued advisory urged Fijian households and farmers to practice water rationing, storage, and prioritization amid an expected El Nino‑driven dry spell. The government also announced water carting assistance but noted logistical challenges for remote communities. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Works launched a new water depot and hybrid power project on Lakeba, aiming to bolster water infrastructure in outer islands.
In a nationwide appeal issued on Monday, the Fijian government warned residents to conserve water and build household reserves as the nation braces for a prolonged dry spell brought on by the El Nino weather phenomenon.
The advisory, released by Xinhua, cautions that continued dry weather could place significant pressure on Fiji’s already strained water sources. It recommends households—especially those reliant on rainwater tanks, boreholes, wells, and other independent supplies—to implement water rationing, store available supplies safely, and prioritize essential uses such as drinking and cooking.
Farmers are likewise urged to closely monitor their crops, livestock, and available water supplies. Early consultation with agricultural authorities is advised in order to minimize the impact of the dry conditions on the livelihoods that underlie Fiji’s food security, the government said.
The government is also supporting affected communities through measures such as water carting and other forms of assistance. Officials acknowledge that reaching some remote and maritime communities may present logistical challenges and take time, a point highlighted in the advisory.
While the government raises the urgency of responsible water usage, the Ministry of Public Works has recently announced new infrastructure to strengthen water services in the outer islands. Remote communities in the Lau Group are set to benefit from improved water and electricity services following the commissioning of a new Water Authority of Fiji depot on Lakeba.
Minister for Public Works Ro Filipe Tuisawau said the development in outer islands must continue, even as national discussions around the Constitution persist. He added that the depot on Lakeba now includes a workshop and maintenance facilities to support water service improvements.
“We must continue development in the outer islands, despite the ongoing national discussions surrounding the Constitution,” Tuisawau told reporters while travelling between Lakeba and Matuku. He also highlighted the Lakeba hybrid power project, which combines existing diesel generators with solar power to reduce reliance on diesel and move toward renewable energy.
These infrastructure upgrades, which include electricity extensions to Waitabu and other villages, are positioned as part of a broader strategy to improve access to water and energy for remote regions during the anticipated dry period. The new depot and power project are expected to strengthen maintenance support and improve service delivery as the country prepares for the climate‑driven challenges outlined in the Xinhua advisory.
