St. James Residents Urged to Avoid Unsafe Water Sources

As residents in St. James continue to rely on alternative water sources following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, Chief Public Health Inspector, Shericka Lewis, is warning that several springs and water sources across the parish remain unsafe for consumption.

Ms. Lewis informed that warning signs have been erected at several locations, clearly indicating that the water is unsafe and should not be used for drinking.

“So, there are several springs that are unsafe, and we want to advise persons that the signs are there, and that’s the disclaimer from the Ministry of Health [and Wellness], the water is unsafe and should not be consumed,” she said.

Areas that now have erected signs include Banana Spring, Bogue, Reading, Howard Cooke Boulevard, Queens Drive, Creek Street, Hudson Avenue, Irwin Drive, Ironshore, Canaan, Pitfour, Gutters Square, Virgin Valley, Brown Springs, Sunderland, Burnt Ground and Wooden Land.

Ms. Lewis said that additional signs will be installed at other locations, as the country works to enhance public education and recover from the devastating effects of the Hurricane.

She noted that 1,250 residents have been reached through the parish’s health education and promotion initiative across St. James.

“Over 700 persons received direct education regarding drinking water safety and household chlorination. In terms of our institutional health, we have visited 48 schools, 40 of them have been opened and are operating satisfactorily,” she noted.

In the meantime, the Chief Public Health Inspector is urging residents to purchase and consume meat from reputable sources.

“Right now, we have our butchers, particularly in the Cambridge area, that are operating. So, there are licensed butchers in the parish, reputable butchers that are operating, and we’re advising persons to patronize these locations, and not just from tom jones down the road,” she said.