BURST mains, problems with pumps and unscheduled power blackouts that result in no water supply are unforeseen circumstances and beyond the control of the Water Authority of Fiji.
This was the statement issued by WAF spokesman Maika Nagalu in response to queries raised by The Fiji Times about complaints made by residents in Ba.
People living in Varoko raised the issue with Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama during consultations with sugarcane growers held at Veisaru Sanatan Dharm Primary School in Ba last week.
Cane farmers said it was difficult for cane cutters and their families to get through the day because of intermittent water supply and they called on the WAF to issue warnings in advance of water cuts.
However, Mr Nagalu said the nature of problems with supply lines made it difficult or impossible to issue warnings prior to disruption to supply.
He added that prior to conducting maintenance work, residents were always given sufficient warning to store water.
"Before they conduct any repairing of burst water mains and maintenance work they usually inform residents within the area to store some water before the works start.
"Meanwhile, burst water mains, pump problems, power blackout are out of WAF's control and that is why we can't inform residents before it happens."