Some Water Systems Endangered, Says NWC

Corporate Public Relations Manager at the National Water Commission (NWC), Charles Buchanan, says the company will continue to work closely with the Jamaica Public Service (JPS), and other partners, to maintain its systems as much as possible.
This as heavy rains associated with a tropical depression continue to severely impact the island, affecting electricity and water systems.
He was speaking at a press conference called by Prime Minister, the Hon. Bruce Golding, at Jamaica House Wednesday (September 29). Representatives of several critical response ministries and agencies, including the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM); the Ministry of Health; the Meteorological Service; the Jamaica Defence Force; the Ministry of Tourism; the Ministry of Labour and Social Security; and the National Works Agency (NWA), attended.
Mr. Buchanan said that a number of the NWC systems are either experiencing total shutdown, or significant reduction in output capacity, all of which have resulted in no water, or low water pressure.
“The major challenges we are experiencing are primarily related to those systems that are electricity dependent.we are also having severe challenges as a result of extremely high turbidity conditions.we have had instances of flooding, blocked and damaged intakes, (we have also had) significant broken mains,” he explained. The broken mains were said to be affecting the Seaview treatment plant in Stony Hill, and the line that runs into Jacks Hill.
Minister with responsibility for Information, Telecommunications and Special Projects, Hon. Daryl Vaz noted that, as of midday, some 170,000 JPS customers were without power, but that the company is seeking to facilitate restoration of service, as quickly as possible.