By Leslie McLean, Gleaner WriterCLAREMONT, St. Ann:
DROUGHT CONDITION is having adverse impact on residents of St. Ann and the St. Ann Parish Council is asking the Ministry of Local Government to provide $1.694 million to truck water to the affected areas.
This information was gleaned from the monthly meeting of the St. Ann Parish Council on Thursday, March 11.
Superintendent of Roads and Works, George Hosang disclosed that although there was drizzle along the north coast, most of the sections of the Dry Harbour Mountains was affected as most of the catchment tanks were empty or on the verge of being empty.
NO RESOURCES
He pointed out that wayside tanks could only supply the areas where water was trucked and added "We are aware of the water situation, but the bottom line is the council don't have the resources to carry out the task."
Mr. Hosang recalled that in February the Ministry was requested to release $1 million to truck water and said "I expect funds to be provided, hopefully that cheque will be collected today."
He revealed that he was asked to provide a report on drought-affected areas in St. Ann and "I am trying my best to identify areas of critical need. The amount I have asked for is $1.694 million to cover water for two weeks."
The Superintendent of Roads and Works, said all four constituencies were included and when the funds are available, adjustment will be made.
Councillor Winston Lawrence of the Sturge Town division deplore the situation where people were drinking water out of wild pine and from muddy streams.
ANIMALS DYING
Councillor Winston Brown of the Borobridge division said animals were dying and people badly in need of water in the Dry Harbour area. He moved a resolution calling on the Ministry to provide funding to truck water and got the support of his fellow councillors.
Mayor of St. Ann's Bay, Councillor Delroy Giscombe noted that St. Ann was one of the main drought-stricken areas in the island and expressed surprise that St. Ann was not included in the Government's plan to provide assistance to drought-stricken areas.
Councillor Lydia Richards of the Bensonton division ex-pressed concern at the situation in her area. She said "I want the Ministry of Health personnel to go to my division as a health crisis could break out. The springs have dried up and Alderton is the only district where residents can find water."
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The Mayor, however, warned councillors that although they were not police officers, they were representatives of the people and "indiscipline in society was unbelievable" so they should make sure that people didn't wash cars at catchment tanks as "cars can go for a while without being washed, but people can't go without water."
