Contract Approved for Fruitful Vale Water Project in Portland

Cabinet has approved a contract, valued at just under $46 million, to Bacchus Engineering Works Limited, for the replacement of the sewage pipeline, and the completion of infrastructure for the Fruitful Vale Water Supply Scheme in Portland. 

Information Minister, Senator  the Hon. Sandrea Falconer, who made the announcement during the weekly Jamaica House press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister, on December 6, informed that the project is being funded through a grant from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

She pointed out that the initiative is part of the Basic Needs Trust Fund, which is aimed at reducing poverty, by targeting low income communities.

The programme includes improvement to infrastructure and services and the  training of residents in income earning skills, among other things.

Fruitful Vale and surrounding communities have been without piped water to their homes for years.

"It is my understanding that Fruitful Vale had water in the 1970s, but the pipes were allowed to deteriorate and as a result of that, the residents have not been able to access water for some years," the Minister said.