By Gareth Davis, Gleaner WriterPORT ANTONIO, Portland:
RESIDENTS OF Fairy Hill, Portland have accused the Ministry of Water of operating on a double standard, saying the over 200 Haitians being housed at the nearby Winnfred Rest Home have been receiving water at their expense.
The residents note that while the refugees have been getting their steady supply of 'trucked water' from the Ministry of Water's self-styled Rapid Response Unit, they have been without the commodity for nearly two weeks.
"The National Water Com-mission (NWC) has been sending two or more trucks per day with water to the Winnifred Rest Home while we are here suffering," complained Leroy Campbell, a resident. "Despite our pleas... despite our cries... nothing has been done to improve our situation."
RESIDENTS ANGRY
Jennifer Heslop, another resident, was equally angry. "We have been without water now for almost two weeks," she shouted. "Can you believe that throughout the Easter weekend we were without water?"
Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) councillor for the Fairy Hill Division, Derron Wood, confirmed that the community has been without water for almost two weeks, acknowledging that a 'tense situation was brewing amongst residents'.
"I had to block the path of one of the Rapid Response water truck on Friday last week", said Mr. Wood. "This was to enable the residents to get some water for domestic use. It was a bold move but it had to be done. As a politician, I have an obligation to the people".
Mr. Wood was, however, quick to point out that while he understands the need for water to be trucked to the Haitians, citizens of the country cannot be denied the benefits and services that they are entitled to.
"First priority should go to these local residents, as they are legal citizens and tax payers of this country," he added.
When The Gleaner contacted the NWC parish manager, Richard Williams, also on Thursday, he stated that several sections of Fairy Hill are with pipe water. "We are not aware of a specific area at Fairy Hill being without pipe water," said Mr. Williams. "The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) sub-division and also the FairyHill housing scheme, have pipe water in abundance. Although there is a leaky pipe line in the area, this has not prevented the flow of water as the area is getting a heavy feed".
