Villagers of Vusama in Nadroga are calling on the government to assist in their water problems that has existed for decades.
Village Headman Saula Nadokonivalu says the call for water assistance started from their elders, and now their elders have passed on, and the task has fallen to them so their future generations do not go through what they have gone through.
He says they have raised this issue to past governments, and nothing has been done.
Nadokonivalu says the Health Ministry had closed off their borehole after 5 children were found to be affected by drinking from the borehole.
He adds now their main water source is from water carting trucks, and whenever there is no water, it is a struggle for them to do daily chores, and sometimes they have to collect water from the borehole because they have no other source.
The Village Headman says the Minister for Waterways and Commissioner West have told them that their village is in their 2023 development plan.
Nadokonivalu says the water issues have also caused children to miss school.
Meanwhile, SODELPA Leader Viliame Gavoka says he visited Vusama Village, a village that he has often raised as a concern in parliament as they still draw water from wells.
He says this village is just a few kilometres from the world renowned Natadola Intercontinental Golf & Spa Resort.
Gavoka says the FijiFirst Government had spent $45 million on golf, while this village is in dire need for water.
He adds many in the area still draw water from wells for drinking and cooking and for normal daily use.
Gavoka says a SODELPA Government will expedite the delivery of fresh water for the well being of the inhabitants of this village as a basic necessity.
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