The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) has delivered 170,000 litres of water to communities and essential facilities across Malolo, Yanuya and nearby maritime areas amid prolonged dry conditions linked to El Niño.

A 10-member WAF team, accompanied by District Officers from Sigatoka and Yasawa, left Lautoka Wharf at 3am on Monday to carry out the water relief operation.

Water was supplied to schools, health facilities and villages including Ratu Lalabalavu Secondary School, Malolo District School, Malolo Health Centre, Solevu Village, Yaro Village, Yanuya Village, Mamanuca Primary School, Yanuya Nursing Station, Tavua Village, Motu Kindergarten and SDA Primary School on Mana Island.

The operation was carried out with support from the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management and the Fiji NDMO as part of efforts to maintain access to safe and reliable water in affected maritime communities.

WAF says its teams will continue monitoring water needs and arrange further water carting where necessary as the dry conditions continue.