Rayon Dyers, Gleaner Writer
BLACK RIVER:
MINISTER OF Water and Housing Donald Buchanan says the upgrading of the Greater Pedro Plains irrigation water systems is on track and will come on stream in June of next year.
"We are committed to the farmers of Southern St. Elizabeth and that's why we want to ensure that we provide adequate amount of water for them to do their farming," Minister Buchanan said. He made those remarks while addressing the annual People's National Party (PNP) divisional conference of the Brompton Division at the Brompton Primary School on Sunday June 19.
Mr. Buchanan explained that areas such as Beacon, Little Park, Newcombe Valley, Newell, Cross Roads, Flagaman, Ridgepen and Bigwoods are expected to benefit from an improved water supply for agricultural purposes once the system scheme is completed.
With this upgrading and expansion, more than 500 farmers in the Southern belt of St. Elizabeth would be better positioned to increase their production of fresh fruits and vegetables. He told the conference that for too long, the lack of constant water for agricultural purposes had hampered the production capacity of the hard working farmers in the parish.
But, he stressed that after the commencement of the upgraded irrigation scheme, the lack of constant water will be a thing of the past in Southern St. Elizabeth.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Businessman Anthony Ewin, who, according to political insiders, is the man tipped to succeed Mr. Buchanan as caretaker for the South-West St. Elizabeth constituency for the PNP, admitted that more needs to be done in the area of early childhood education.
"We need to give our young ones a good start educationally, and I believe this has to begin at the basic school level", Mr. Ewin said.
Mr. Buchanan has already announced that he plans to demit office and will not be seeking re-election in the next General Elections.
