As the prolonged dry weather condition continues in the Western division, the Water Authority of Fiji says they are spending close to $1.5 million every month to cart water in affected areas.

Chief Executive Officer, Opetaia Ravai says Ba, Tavua and Rakiraki are most affected as they are receiving continuous calls for assistance for water.

He says these areas have not received substantial rainfall.

Ravai adds that they have a water carting schedule for areas which do not have piped water.

“We are at least giving 1000 litres per family and that should last a family of five at least for one week. Now we know for some instances they may ask for more water which we do supply and there is also ad hoc request that is not according to the schedule of water cart and who are now experiencing their sources drying up they are now being added to the list.”

Ravai adds that for areas where road access is difficult they have placed distribution tanks where people can access water from.

He says around 95 trucks are carting water in the affected areas.

Ravai is also calling on people to use water wisely.