Gerd Jarchow, head of the European Union delegation, signs a contract at the National Water Commission's (NWC) corporate offices in St. Andrew yesterday. Looking on are (from left) Donald Buchanan, Water and Housing Minister, Donald Mullings, contractor of M&M Jamaica, and E.G. Hunter, president of NWC. - RUDOLPH BROWN/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
SIX THOUSAND residents from 12 communities are set to benefit from the construction of the Milk River Water Supply.
The European Union (EU), the Planning Institute of Jamaica and M&M Jamaica Limited signed contracts for the construction of the project yesterday.
The venture, which will be funded by a grant from the EU of 10 million euros ($J242,849,702), will be contracted by M&M Jamaica. The quality of the work will be supervised by the National Water Commission, through a German-Austrian engineering consortium. It is expected to begin in January 2006 and be completed by summer 2007.
Communities to benefit include Milk River, Cherry Hill, Ramble Pen and Pridees.
Gerd Jarchow, head of the EU delegation, noted the importance of having good water supply all across Jamaica.
"It has been acknowledged that social and economic development in rural areas is hindered by a lack of adequate infrastructure and services, especially water supplies," noted Mr. Jarchow. "Whilst Jamaica has in recent years made significant progress in providing water services to its people, the poorest members of the population, most of whom live in the rural areas, have not always been able to share in these improvements."
ABSOLUTE NECESSITY
Minister of Water and Housing, Donald Buchanan, noted that "the provision of water supply is most critical for development and is not only a convenience, but an absolute necessity for life and health". He conceded, though, that many residents were without piped water in rural Jamaica.
Members of Parliament Charles Learmond, Richard Azan, Audley Shaw, and State Water Minister, Harry Douglas, were also present.
