John’s Groin water supply scheme upgraded

MANDEVILLE — Some 3,500 residents of six communities in St. Catherine now have regular access to potable water, with the upgrading of the John’s Groin water supply scheme in the parish.

Minister of Housing, Environment and Water, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, on Thursday July 7, 2011, commissioned the facility into service, which will serve John’s Groin, Dawkins Bush, Ginger Lane, Lower Mount Diablo, Treadways and areas of Russell Pen.

It was developed at a cost of approximately $14 million with the Rural Water Supply Limited contributing $9 million, while the National Water Commission (NWC) provided $6 million. The NWC will manage the system.

The scope of work included construction of a new dam, and upgrading of the intake structure upstream, which will ensure adequate supply during dry periods.

“Work was done to upgrade the intake, which will ensure that water is available outside of rainy seasons. Work was done on the source itself to improve its reliability,” Dr. Chang informed.

He said that the system offers the potential for further expansion to improve the supply to Treadways and adjoining areas.

Minister Chang urged the residents to take care of the system. “It’s your system and we have spent good money to develop it so treat it well and maintain it,” he stated.

He reiterated Government's commitment to investing in water infrastructure across the island as a development initiative.

“Water is very basic to how we intend to operate our communities and it is also a reflection of the Government’s commitment to ensuring that Jamaicans can have equal opportunity and a fair opportunity to improve their quality of life,” he stated.

By GARFIELD L. ANGUS, JIS Reporter