Noel Thompson, Gleaner Writer
Hopeton Whyte, of Rock Spring in Hanover, balances a five-gallon water container on his
bicycle in the neighbouring Grange district on Thursday. Rock Spring is one of several communities affected by current drought conditions across the island. – Noel Thompson Photo
WESTERN BUREAU:
SCORES OF residents in communities across western Jamaica are now reeling from a severe water shortage as a result of extended islandwide drought conditions.
The National Water Commission (NWC) in a recent statement confirmed that some of its facilities are being affected mainly in the parishes of Hanover and Westmoreland.
On Thursday, The Gleaner newsteam visited the communities of New Milns, Haddington, Rejoin, Castle Hyde, Great Valley in Hanover and several others including Friendship, Logwood, Deans Valley and Shrewsbury in Westmoreland. The lack of water or inconsistent supply was the common cry throughout the communities.
"The water condition is very bad. The pressure is very low and sometimes we have no water and we have to resort to using the untreated river water," said Merilda Lawrence of New Milns in Hanover.
In calling for the NWC to address the shortage, Mathias McIntyre said: "We are peaceful people and we do not believe in blocking roads. Water is life, so we should have it in adequate supply."
YOU HAVE TO HURRY
Elaine Fenton, of Friendship, Westmoreland, added: "As soon as the water comes, it goes so you have to hurry. The supply was adequate in December, but because of the drought it is inconsistent."
Other parishes such as St. Thomas, Kingston and St. Andrew, St. Catherine, and Clarendon are also being affected by drought conditions.
Meanwhile, the NWC said that, in the interim, it is trucking the commodity to the affected areas, as well as undertaking scheduled valve regulation. The agency is also urging customers to practice water conservation.
