Plan in place to fix Irwin’s water woes – Dr Chang

Western Bureau:

Dr Horace Chang, minister with portfolio responsibility for water, says steps are to be taken to provide a permanent fix to the inconsistent water supply to the Irwin Point and Meadows of Irwin housing schemes in St James.

The two housing schemes, which were developed in recent years, have been plagued by an inconsistent water supply, which has left many residents angry and frustrated as they are sometimes left without water in their pipes for as long as a month.

"Recently, water did gone for close to a month," a resident told The Gleaner on Monday. "We having it tough because we can't live without water."

According to the women, what makes the situation even more frustrating is the fact that unlike in some communities, where residents are notified when they are going to be out of water, the National Water Commission (NWC) has never seen it fit to inform them.

"The authorities never once said what happened that make the water go away. They have never ever given an explanation as to why this is happening to us," the woman continued. "It is hard for us to have invested so much money into getting our homes and can't enjoy it because of this water problem."

However, at a recent groundbreaking ceremony for yet another housing development in the Irwin community, Chang said he was fully aware of the water situation in the area and that plans were in the works to have the situation addressed. In fact, he said the work had already started and was progressing in a timely and efficient manner.

... Redustribution of water supply the solution

A redistribution of water supply is how Dr Horace Chang, member of Parliament for North West St James propose to ease the water woes that residents in the Irwin Point and Meadows of Irwin housing schemes are experiencing.

"Water is a big issue in this area, but we are in discussion with the relevant stakeholders and we are working to ensure that a reliable water supply comes to this area.

"We are moving to take a larger line from the Fairfield Road into this area, which will bring water from the Great River scheme and the Main North Coast Highway to ensure that all citizens in this area will have an adequate supply of water," added Chang.

Last Friday, Prime Minister Andrew Holness broke ground for The Estuary housing development in Friendship, St James, which is in proximity to the Irwin Point and Meadows of Irwin housing schemes. The new scheme, a joint-venture project between the National Housing Trust and West Indies Home Contractors Limited, will feature 1,500 one-bedroom detached units.