THE Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) is working to keep its major water treatment plants up and running to avoid major water disruptions in Suva.
Earlier this morning, a team of officers and divers was quick to attend to a report of blockages to the major raw water intake (Cascade) to the Tamavua Water Treatment Plant, which is fed from the Savura Water Pumping Station.
The intake was blocked by heavy debris as a result of the heavy rain over the long weekend.
WAF general manager Customer Services and Acting General Manager Operations Sekove Uluinayau said a team of skilled divers was deployed to the intake to remove debris at the intake strainer, which is located at the Cascade Dam in Savura.
“This was very critical for us as we hardly experienced blockages to our major raw water intakes, the torrential rains yesterday (11/11/19) had really brought down a lot of leaves and debris downstream and had all collected at the intake strainer, this had caused blockages and impacted and reduced the water levels at Tamavua Water Treatment Plant causing water disruptions to elevated areas in Suva from this morning,” Mr Uluinayau said.
Affected areas include the elevated parts of Princess Road (Tamavua to Colo-i-Suva), Namadi Heights, Wairua, Wailoku, Samabula, Rewa Street, Waimanu Road, Ratu Sukuna Road, Delainavesi, and Lami up to Togalevu.
Mr Uluinayau said no timeframe had been set as when the water supply would be completely normalised.
However, he added the authority was closely monitoring the weather reports issued by the Fiji Meteorological Service and was also working with its stakeholders such as the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO).
“If the adverse weather conditions deteriorate, it is more likely that the same situation may reoccur, therefore, we once again seek the understanding of our valued customers to please take heed and store your fair share of water for your back-up needs.”
