Residents of St. Ann who have been adversely impacted by drought conditions affecting the island should get some relief in short order. The St. Ann Municipal Corporation has received a $4-million allocation from the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation to commence the trucking of water to drought-affected communities in the parish. Mayor of St Ann’s Bay, Councillor Sydney...

Jamaica will commemorate World Water Day on Wednesday (March 22), an annual observation initiated by the United Nations (UN). This year’s theme is ‘Accelerating Change – Water, Changing Behaviour and Lives’. It coincides with the UN’s sustainable development goal number six, which is to ensure access to water and sanitation for all. The objective is to achieve this by 2030....

In light of the prevailing drought impacting the parish, the Health Education Unit of the Westmoreland Public Health Department is urging citizens to practise proper water safety measures to prevent gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestines. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting and fever, which usually last 24 to 72 hours. Health Promotion and Education...

The State-owned National Water Commission (NWC) is now less of a fiscal risk to the Government, says Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness. He told the House of Representatives, during his 2023/24 Budget Debate presentation on Thursday (March 16), that over the last financial year, the NWC recorded significant achievements at the strategic and operational levels, resulting in a...

The Government will be providing 10,000 black water tanks to needy households across Jamaica, starting in fiscal year 2023/24. Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, outlined details of the undertaking in his 2023/24 Budget Debate presentation in the House of Representatives on Thursday (March 16). He said focus will initially be placed on areas adversely affected by drought. “Households...

The commissioning of the Macka Hill Pipeline Replacement Project in St. Mary Southeast now provides residents of the community and adjoining areas, with greater access to a reliable water supply. The $31 million investment was officially commissioned into service by Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator the Hon. Matthew Samuda, and other stakeholders,...

The Water Resources Authority (WRA) is imploring increased vigilance in preventing bushfires to safeguard the country’s water resources. Managing Director of the entity, Peter Clarke, said citizen action is “critically important”, particularly given the current drought conditions. He noted that bushfires have an adverse impact on the island’s watersheds, causing “crippling, long-term, adverse impact on water supply,” which affects the...