Inconsistent water supply in Needham Pen
Published:Monday | October 24, 2022 | 12:05 AM
THE EDITOR, Sir:
I have an 80-plus year old grandmother living in Needham Pen St Thomas. I have for years paid all her utilities bills, including that to the National Water Commission (NWC), not only on time but months in advance to always ensure she is well taken care of.
For months now, the NWC has not delivered any consistent water supply to the community, and the residents are suffering! The records will reflect that, in my own case I have made several calls and follow-ups with the NWC and no assistance has been provided. No follow-up and absolutely no care for the residents of Needham Pen.
In 2022, my grandmother survives on her ability to harvest rain, which she has done for decades. While that is great on its own, it is nothing less than criminal for the NWC to continue to steal payment for the account every month like a thief in the night without delivering any water in the pipes nor via truck. Rural people are treated as second-class citizens in this country by the NWC, and the elderly are shown no compassion or care.
I hereby invite the NWC to visit the Needham Pen community of St Thomas and speak with the residents and see the situation first-hand. I will be happy to provide additional information on the worsening situation affecting residents there.
Unfortunately, in Jamaica, in order to get any action, it seems we have to ‘loud up’ agencies in the media or block roads. NWC is completely failing to deliver on its mandate – and that is water which is still life!
TRICIA WILLIAMSON