PM Bainimarama at the briefing.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama was Tuesday briefed on the prolonged dry spell affecting most parts of Fiji.
The National Disaster Management director, Mr Manasa Tagicakibau said in his presentation to the head of government that the dry spell is driven by the potential El Nino that has been trying to develop fully in the Pacific since May.
Mr Tagicakibau also highlighted how the following sectors have been affected by the prolonged dry spell; Education; Agriculture/Livestock/Irrigation; Health; Sugar; Water; Electricity and Communities
Education – 161 schools have been affected by the current dry spell but continue to operate due to carted water. The Education Ministry through the Education cluster is assisting with the provision of water tanks to the affected schools.
Health – The Ministry of Health has also activated its cluster to coordinate support activities in the health sector. They are also advising the public to practice personal hygiene as diseases may spread when the dry spell is over.
Agriculture – While the Agriculture Ministry continue to assess the dry spell, a number of strategies have been put in place to lessen the impacts. This includes purchase of water pumps/irrigation system and water tanks.
The have also mobilised its resources and have provided supplementary feeds to animals to maintain body conditions.
Mr Tagicakibau also informed the Prime Minister that the recent rainfall experienced in most part of Fiji has filled up reservoirs, water sources and catchments.
The Prime Minister directed the NDMO to continue to monitor the situation and to respond to the affected communities. He has also urged the forum to also look at long term solutions like mobile desalination plant.
Also present at the briefing were the Minister for Infrastructure & Transport, Mr Pio Tikoduadua; Minister for Agriculture; Rural & Maritime Development and NDMO, Mr Inia Seruiratu and Assistant Minister, Mr Joeli Cawaki; Permanent Secretaries and Head of Agencies.
DEPT OF INFO