Emergency Water Operation Launched for Batiki Island

An emergency water supply operation is underway to assist communities on Batiki Island facing shortages caused by prolonged dry conditions.

The operation is being coordinated through the Divisional Commissioner Eastern Office, with support from the Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport and the Water Authority of Fiji.

The MLC Vatulawa departed Narayan Jetty at 8:45pm on September 20 and was expected to arrive in Batiki at around 6am today.

Upon arrival, the team will begin distributing emergency water supplies, with priority given to the island’s school and health centre.

The team will also assess alternative water sources as communities on Batiki primarily depend on rainwater harvesting for their water needs.

A second water delivery is planned for September 22, after the vessel returns to Levuka to replenish supplies.

Authorities are also working on similar water supply operations for other drought-affected maritime communities in the Northern and Western divisions.

The emergency response is part of ongoing efforts to address the impacts of El Niño, with authorities continuing to monitor conditions and coordinate assistance to communities experiencing water shortages.

Officials have urged continued cooperation between communities and relevant agencies as efforts continue to ensure reliable access to water during the dry conditions.