Improved Water Supply for Norwich/Boundbrook Community in Portland

Residents of the Norwich/Boundbrook community in Portland are currently benefitting from an improved water supply, as a result of the upgrading and expansion of the supply system serving that community.
The upgraded system was completed in May of last year, as a result of a partnership between the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), and the Lighthouse, Ranch Hill, Stony Hill and Spring Bank Benevolent Society (LORBS) – the organisation representing the 5,000 residents benefitting from the service.
Approximately $20 million was provided by JSIF for the project, while the contribution of the LORBS was $5 million.
The new system was officially handed over to the residents by the JSIF, during a ceremony held at Stony Hill in Portland, last week.

Assistant Project Manager at the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), Mr. Carl McKenzie, and Miss Suzette Simpson of the Norwich/Boundbrook Citizens Association, in Portland, unveil sign for the newly upgraded Norwich/Boundbrook water supply scheme, which was officially handed over last week.

Addressing the function, Assistant Project Manager at the JSIF, Mr. Carl McKenzie, said that the organisation was pleased to be involved in the project, because of the importance of providing persons with a safe and reliable water supply.
He said the JSIF has spent more than $300 million on various water supply improvement initiatives since its inception, adding that this amount has funded more than 51 water related projects, which are currently bringing that resource to communities where the need is greatest.
Mr. McKenzie noted that 11 of those projects were completed in communities in Portland at a cost of $65 million.
He pointed out that the provision of potable water would help Jamaica to achieve the United Nations millennium goal of reducing the number of persons living in poverty by the year 2020. He urged the residents to protect the investment.
Chairperson of the Portland Parish Development Committee, Mrs. Linneth Wilks, congratulated members of the Norwich/Boundbrook community for partnering with the JSIF to plan the project and commended the JSIF for the support it provided.
She said that the initiative was an indication of what a community could achieve when members decide to take their interest into their own hands, adding that their action would serve as a good example for other communities desirous of putting in place the amenities which would enhance their development process.
Several residents told JIS News that they were grateful to JSIF for the project, and gave a commitment to maintain the system.