BY RODRICK DESURI
Auki
Communities in North Malaita Province have been experiencing water rationing due to months without rain.
This is occurring as the country is being placed under an El Nino Watch by the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS), which alerts public across country to be wary of increased risks of drought, water shortage and tropical cyclones.
North Malaita communities are feeling the impacts of the drought and fear it will worsen if their small streams also dry up in the coming months if the dry condition continues.
Stephen Tolinao from North Malaita confirmed to Island Sun on Monday this week that the water issue is now becoming a real problem for them.
He said most affected people are those who depend on and use water supply and nearby small streams.
“Yes, it is real and is now affecting us, especially the communities like Loina, Asia, and Adaua Primary School, which depend on and access water from the water supply,” he said.
He said that people have to travel one to two kilometers inland and up the hills to get water.
“So, currently, we have to walk for almost one or two kilometers before we get water from the water source inland,” he said.
The Malu’u Area Health Centre in North Malaita is also facing a water problem.
Concerns also raised is that if the dry spell lingers it will cause health risks to the health staff and patients of the Area Health Centre.
Meanwhile, the SIMS El Nino Advisory said that the developing El Niño conditions can significantly impact communities across the country if early preparedness measures are not taken.
It adds that potential effects include long dry spells, reduced water supplies, threats to food security and increased pressure on public health and community wellbeing.
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