Left: A man from Mango Valley in St. Mary filling his containers at the only standpipe in the community. Right: Outside Bathroom: A man from Mango Valley in St. Mary taking a bath at a tank located in the community. This is a popular bathing spot for some residents.- IAN ALLEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
WHAT'S NOT WORKING:
Residents of Mango Valley in St. Mary said that they have not seen a consistent flow of water from their pipes for more than two years.
Residents told The Gleaner that some years ago their informal setting was disrupted with the promise of an official water system. It has been several years since and that pledge has not come to fruition. The residents said that the pipes have been laid underground and other work has started, but they are yet to get the much-needed water from their pipes.
SYNOPSIS OF THE SITUATION:
One resident of Mango Valley complained bitterly that she has to use a wheelbarrow to fetch water for her family. This is unacceptable. There is a standpipe in the community that does not always give water. However, there is a tank in the area that always has water. Ironically, while the residents cannot get water through their pipes, gallons of water are wasted on a 24-hour basis because the infamous tank is overflowing its capacity. When The Gleaner visited the community, residents were seen bathing in the nude at the tank. Children were also seen loading their little trolley with their containers. Eight-year-old Dexton Medwinter, the youngest of the group of three, told us that he sometimes makes seven trips per day to get water from the tank.
WHO'S RESPONSIBLE?
The Ministry of Water and Housing where Donald Buchanan is the minister and Harry Douglas is State Minister. However, Carib Engineering Corporation Limited (CECL) is executing the project.
WHAT'S THE STATUS?
Harry Douglas, State Minister in the Ministry of Water and Housing, told The Gleaner to contact CECL. The company said that all components of the project, which commenced in 2003, are to be completed between March 2006 and June 2006. The CECL also revealed that the project had been delayed due to a dearth in funding and damage resulting from hurricanes 'Ivan' and 'Emily'.
The National Water Commission (NWC) said that they would be responsible for the community's water supply only after the project is completed. Charles Buchanan, corporate public relations manager at the NWC, confirmed that work started a few years ago and that it had been derailed by several factors, including lack of funding. He also confirmed that the project is nearing completion.
CONCLUSION
The work being done in the Mango Valley area to regularise the water supply system needs to be expedited. Jamaicans should not be forced to bathe in the open because they cannot get water in their homes.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Tell us about problems in your community. We will visit and help to lobby for action.
Write to: Tyrone Reid, the Gleaner Company Ltd., 7 North Street, P.O. Box 40, Kingston
Fax: 922-6223
Telephone: 922-3400 Ext. 6364 or
Email: tyrone.reid@gleanerjm.com.
