Water Challenges In Nataleira Village Dawasamu
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“Clean water, the essence of life and a birthright for everyone,
must become available to all people now.” – Jean-Michel Cousteau
On behalf of the people of Nataleira Village, we thank Save our Fiji for giving us this platform to share our
story.
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Nataleira Dawasamu Tailevu, a coastal village nestled 85 km north of Suva, Fiji, extends heartfelt gratitude to the Save our Fiji organization for providing a platform to share their story. The village, established in the aftermath of the 1875 measles outbreak, has faced an enduring struggle for access to clean water, a vital resource for life.
In the late 19th century, Nataleira's ancestors migrated from the mountains, seeking refuge on the coast during the measles epidemic that claimed a quarter of Fiji's population. The boundaries of the village were initially undefined, with territory shaped by the availability of water sources—rainfall, rivers, and artesian wells.
However, as missionaries and foreigners settled in the area, land boundaries were delineated, and restrictions on agricultural activities were imposed. The villagers, faced with diminishing land, had little choice but to move their plantations closer to the water source, despite the risk of contamination from farming and livestock.
Nataleira relies on two water sources, Ciuciurati waterfall and Naotomoci spring, both open dams fed by springs and rivers. These water sources, situated near plantations, present a constant challenge. To access their plantations, villagers use horses, and for plowing, bullocks are employed. The exposed dams lead to water contamination, causing outbreaks of waterborne diseases and skin conditions.
The village's water woes are exacerbated during heavy rainfall, washing debris into the dams. Even in clear weather, harmful bacteria, dead leaves, insects, and mud find their way into the taps, affecting the health of children. Skin diseases, typhoid, and rampant diarrhea are unfortunately considered norms, with untreated cases, especially among children below the age of 5, posing a serious health risk.
Despite efforts to use water filters, the constant need for replacement becomes a financial burden on households living below the poverty line. Currently, with Fiji experiencing heavy rainfall and flooding, Nataleira Village faces a critical water shortage. The men of the village have embarked on a mission to clean debris, remove dead animals, and restore water flow to the dams.
The challenges faced by Nataleira are not unique, as many interior villages in Fiji grapple with similar water-related issues. As Fijians, they have learned to adapt, but the plea for clean running water remains a fundamental hope.
Viniana Bau, on behalf of the Water Committee, expresses a heartfelt desire that one day, her children and future generations will experience the blessing of clean running water in their village.
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Vinaka vakalevu,
Viniana Bau,
On behalf of the Water Committee,
Nataleira Dawasamu Fiji
