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Water Minister Outlines Drought Mitigation Programme for Southern Belt

November 2, 2009

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Minister of Water and Housing, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, says the Ministry is looking at a drought mitigation programme, to efficiently manage the water supply systems along Jamaica’s south coast.
“We are looking at the cost of it, especially in the southern belt – St. Elizabeth, Manchester, Clarendon, and St. Catherine to St. Thomas,” Dr. Chang said.
The Minister was speaking at a forum on the north central Clarendon water supply system, held on October 30, at the offices of the National Water Commission (NWC), in May Pen, Clarendon.
Dr. Chang pointed out that the drought mitigation programme would be extensive, and could involve the rotation of surface water with well water, in order to reduce the cost of production.
“We are looking at a more extensive mitigation programme, because we need a more reliable water supply, even if we have to rotate, because of the cost of energy,” the Minister said.
He emphasised that the Government is committed to investing in water, as water has the potential to bring development to communities.
“Water is one of the things that is critical, not just to the quality of your life, but to development. So, while we are looking at investing in projects that will ensure that the country grows, water is one of them. It has the potential to bring development to communities… and we have already committed the biggest block of funds in any infrastructure in Jamaica to water development this year, and when we were doing it, we made sure there was a large block for rural Jamaica,” the Minister said.

Last Updated: August 20, 2013

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