Communities in Choiseul province report water shortage following lack of rain after cyclone Maila
BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
Communities on Choiseul province are experiencing increasing challenges as a dry spell following cyclone Maila continues.
Sasamuga village in south Choiseul is reportedly one of the hard-hit communities.
Prolonged dry conditions, with water sources dwindling has sparked concerns over the potential impact of El Niño.
Speaking to Island Sun, Sasamuga community leader Tani Kiko said the extended dry season has significantly reduced the volume of streams that many communities rely on for daily water needs.
He said the situation has become increasingly challenging, forcing some communities to ration water as supplies continue to decline.
“Some of the communities that depend on wells are rationing water,” Kiko said.
He said residents have also noticed unusually high temperatures, describing the current heat as more intense than in previous years.
Kiko said the Sasamuga water supply system continues to provide reliable service to the village, school and clinic.
However, he said, there are growing concerns that the water source could eventually be affected if the dry spell persists.
“We are fortunate that the water supply is still operating well, but we hope the source will not dry up,” Kiko said.
He believes the changing weather patterns are linked to the looming El Niño event, which authorities have warned could bring prolonged dry conditions across the country.
Kiko said community leaders are already taking proactive measures to prepare for any worsening conditions.
He said leaders in various communities have begun mobilising plans that aim to strengthen preparedness and reduce the potential impacts of El Niño on households and livelihoods.
“Community leaders have mobilised plans in their respective communities to ensure people are better prepared before anything worse can happen,” he said.
Kiko also encourages residents to start identifying practical solutions to cope with water shortages and other challenges that may arise if dry conditions continue in the months ahead.
As El Niño concerns continue to grow across the Solomon Islands, communities in Choiseul Province are joining others around the country to prepare for what could be a challenging period of drought and water scarcity.
For feedback, contact: [email protected]
Editor: [email protected]
