Expo to Mark World Water Day

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, joined the public on March 22, for a tour of an Expo at Devon House in Kingston, in observance of World Water Day.

Each year, Jamaica joins the world in recognition of World Water Day, which dates back to the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. The international observance calls for discussion of water related issues and inspires action and the development of solutions.

Minister Chang, in an interview with JIS News, said the observance of World Water Day through the Expo hosted by the Ministry, is significant for Jamaica, as it creates an opportunity to highlight challenges unique to Jamaica relating to water availability, and a chance for dialogue among key stakeholders.

The Expo showcased booths from several of the Ministry’s agencies, such as National Water Commission and Water Resources Authority, among others, as well as private sector partners and stakeholders.

“Water is life. It’s a very important part of the country’s resources and the development of water resources is a foundational activity. It is critical for growth and development and has to be handled well,” Dr. Chang said.

He urged open lines of communication between the various groups to ensure the sustainable development of water resources.

Chief Technical Director in the Ministry, Lt. Col. Oral Khan, also speaking to JIS News, said in light of Jamaica’s experience with harsh drought conditions over the past several years, it’s important to engage the public in discussion on how to create and maintain a consistent supply of potable water.

“We have to learn how to protect our watershed areas, how to protect our underground water from contamination, how to conserve and how to harness more of the rainwater; and the Expo demonstrates some of the things which are happening in the water sector,” he said.