Gov’t to Strictly Enforce NWC Prohibition Notice

As the country continues to experience drought conditions, Minister of Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Robert Pickersgill, is imploring Jamaicans to adhere to the terms of the prohibition notice now in effect.

The National Water Commission (NWC) has issued a prohibition notice for all areas of the island served by drought-affected water supply systems.

Minister Pickergsill said the ban will remain in effect until further notice, and persons who do not comply with the stipulations will face prosecution.

“Any person who contravenes this, on summary conviction before a Resident Magistrate, is liable to a fine, and in default of payment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 30 days,” he warned.

The Minister was speaking at a press conference on July 1 at the offices of the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) in Kingston, to provide an update on plans to mitigate drought conditions.

The notice prohibits the use of water supplied by the NWC for irrigation of and watering of gardens, lawns, grounds and farms; and refilling or supplying of tanks, ponds, or swimming pools, and for use other than normal domestic services such as drinking, cooking, washing, bathing and sanitation.

Washing of vehicles using a hose is also banned, so too the watering or washing roadways, pavements, paths, garages or out rooms. Persons are also not permitted to use water for any purpose, which may require the use of a considerable or excessive quantity of water.

In the meantime, water restrictions are currently in effect for Kingston and St. Andrew as a result of the reduced distribution capacity of the Constant Spring/Hermitage System, Mona and Hope Water Treatment Plants.

“Customers in the Corporate Area are now receiving piped water supply between the hours of 4:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.,” the Minister informed.

In addition, the water supply from the Tulloch Springs to Portmore is being restricted between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on weekdays.

Minister Pickersgill further informed that customers served by the systems in  East Rural St. Andrew, St. Thomas, Trelawny, St. James, Hanover and Westmoreland that are currently being impacted by low rainfall will experience periods of no piped water supply or low water pressure.

He again urged persons to continue to conserve, noting that based on the forecast models, the country is expected to receive below normal rainfall for July through to November.