By Cedric Johnson, Gleaner Writer WESTMORELAND:
THE WESTMORELAND Parish Council has expressed disappointment at the failure of the Ministry of Water and Housing to declare the Roaring River a 'protected area' as recommended by the National Water Resources Authority (NWRA) more than three months ago.
The NWRA's recommendation came in light of a claim by the parish's health department that sewage from overflowing pit latrines could be ending up in the Roaring River water source which supplies domestic water to 80 per cent of the parish.
"We are particularly disturbed at the Ministry of Water and Housing for its inaction. The situation is that the local authorities can take no further steps to secure the area until the Ministry makes the declaration," said Mayor Delford Morgan, speaking on Thursday at the monthly meeting of the Council.
"It pains me to see them sitting on this problem when the health of so many persons is at stake."
The Mayor who disclosed that Ballstrode, the other major water source in the parish, is also facing a similar threat because squatters have been moving onto the property.
He said he will be writing to the Ministry, urging it to act speedily, so that Council and other local agencies can move in to protect the water source.
"I demand that government treat this matter with the seriousness and urgency it deserves," said Councillor Earl Brooks who expressed alarm that the government appeared to be avoiding the issue.
The NWRA's recommendation was contained in a comprehensive action plan submitted to the Ministry of Water and Housing which Minister Donald Buchanan reportedly took to Cabinet for approval. Under the Water Resources Act 1995, if the Minister declares such an area, action will then follow to protect the water resources.
Other recommendations in the plan include the relocation of residents, the implementation of a public education programme, the development and implementation of a water quality control plan and the creation of a buffer zone around the water source.
