THE EDITOR, Sir:
HAS IT dawned on us how we are all focusing on the price of gasolene and not noticing that the price of water is sometimes higher than that of fuel. Water is selling anything from $30 to $50 dollars per litre for a low-priced plastic bottle. I think millions of dollars of water is being imported annually and this is an area for import substitution that could see significant savings in foreign exchange and the production of more reasonably priced water for consumption.
This should be looked at against the background that the human body is mostly water and the average human being needs to consume at least four litres of water daily. Most standpipes from which one could get a free drink of water by the roadway have been removed; that water now has to be bought.
This is an area where there is opportunity for new investors not only to supply the domestic market but also for export. The water produced does not have to be spring water alone but also purified water and flavoured water which can be produced from our own tap water with the appropriate technology.
The Scientific Research Council, JAMPRO, Bureau of Standards, the National Water Commission ,the Jamaica Manufacturers Association, the Jamaica Exporters Association and the Ministry of Commerce, Science and Technology should be looking down the road to prevent what could be a water crisis.
We should be actively engaging in a to 'Drink Jamaican, build Jamaica' campaign ensuring variety and quality of the highest standards.
I am, etc.,
MICHAEL SPENCE
micspen2@hotmail.com
P.O. box 630
Kingston 6
Via Go-Jamaica
