By PACNEWS
Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the Government has been preparing for the impact of prolonged dry weather for months, as communities across the country face water shortages linked to El Niño conditions.
Rabuka said 67 water trucks had been deployed and more than 1.69 million litres of water delivered by road and sea to affected communities as Government agencies stepped up their response to the worsening drought.
According to the latest figures presented to Parliament, more than 885,000 litres of water had been delivered by road since 30 October, while another 810,000 litres were transported by sea between 30 September and 30 October.
Rabuka said the Water Authority of Fiji was working daily to maintain supplies and deliver water to communities experiencing shortages.
“I understand the difficulties this is causing families, farmers and businesses,” he said.
“But I want our people to know that we have not been sitting idle.”
He said disaster management teams, regional development officials and other Government agencies were coordinating assistance and preparing for conditions that could become more difficult in the coming months.
“We have been preparing for this situation for months, and we will continue to strengthen our response as necessary,” Rabuka said.
He acknowledged the seriousness of the drought, saying while the Government could not control the weather or bring rain, it could mobilise resources and take measures to protect communities.
Rabuka said Fiji had repeatedly raised concerns about the effects of El Niño and prolonged dry weather at international climate conferences, including the United Nations climate negotiations.
He said climate change was already affecting communities and called on major economies to recognise the growing challenges facing small island developing states.
“That is also why we continue to advocate internationally for greater climate financing and assistance,” he said.
“Small countries like Fiji cannot be expected to carry the growing burden of climate change alone.”
Rabuka said the international community needed to recognise the challenges faced by Pacific communities and support efforts to strengthen their resilience.
Responding to criticism over his previous comments on the drought, Rabuka said some people could choose to use his words for political purposes.
“Some may choose to take my words out of context and use them to score political points. They are free to do so,” he said.
“But while others debate my words, our teams are out there delivering water and helping communities.”
He called for solidarity and cooperation as Fiji navigates the difficult period, urging people to support one another.
“This is a difficult period for our country, and it calls for solidarity, cooperation and a shared determination to look after one another. “We will get through this together,” said Rabuka.
