​Nataleira Dawasamu Tailevu, a coastal village nestled 85 km north of Suva, Fiji, extendsheartfelt gratitude to the Save our Fiji organization for providing a platform to share theirstory. The village, established in the aftermath of the 1875 measles outbreak, has faced anenduring struggle for access to clean water, a vital resource for life.

 

In the late 19th century, Nataleira's ancestors migrated from the mountains, seekingrefuge on the coast during the measles epidemic that claimed a quarter of Fiji'spopulation. The boundaries of the village were initially undefined, with territory shapedby the availability of water sources, rainfall, rivers, and artesian wells.

 

However, as missionaries and foreigners settled in the area, land boundaries weredelineated, and restrictions on agricultural activities were imposed. The villagers, facedwith diminishing land, had little choice but to move their plantations closer to the watersource, despite the risk of contamination from farming and livestock.

 

Nataleira relies on two water sources, Ciuciurati waterfall and Naotomoci spring, bothopen dams fed by springs and rivers. These water sources, situated near plantations,present a constant challenge. To access their plantations, villagers use horses, and forplowing, bullocks are employed. The exposed dams lead to water contamination, causingoutbreaks of waterborne diseases and skin conditions.

 

The village's water woes are exacerbated during heavy rainfall, washing debris into thedams. Even in clear weather, harmful bacteria, dead leaves, insects, and mud find theirway into the taps, affecting the health of children. Skin diseases, typhoid, and rampantdiarrhea are unfortunately considered norms, with untreated cases, especially amongchildren below the age of 5, posing a serious health risk.

 

Despite efforts to use water filters, the constant need for replacement becomes afinancial burden on households living below the poverty line. Currently, with Fijiexperiencing 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 grapplewith similar water-related issues. As Fijians, they have learned to adapt, but the plea forclean 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 intheir village.

 

Vinaka vakalevu,

Viniana Bau,

On behalf of the Water Committee,

Nataleira Dawasamu Fiji