Met Service predicts 2020 drought encore
Published:Wednesday | December 18, 2019 | 12:41 AMNickoy Wilson/Gleaner Writer
The Meteorological Service of Jamaica is predicting that in 2020 the island will experience a similar drought to this year’s, which ushered in the imposition of a prohibition order by the National Water Commission (NWC) as several sections of the island wilted under high temperatures and little to no rainfall.
Senator Pearnel Charles, minister with responsibility for water and housing and infrastructure in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, made the revelation while speaking yesterday at the Ministry of Local Government’s quarterly press briefing.
“Met Service has already advised the minister [of local government, Desmond McKenzie] and myself that 2020 is likely ... to be similar to 2019. What it means is that as a country, as a nation, we have to be prepared for the worse,” he said.
Charles said that he and McKenzie will be working with the NWC to ensure the ruptured pipelines across the Corporate Area are repaired as major road projects wrap up.
He also announced the establishment of a drought management committee and said discussions were on the way to streamline trucking arrangements to allow a smooth flow of the commodity to persons affected by lock-offs.
“Jamaica, you’d be pleased to know that we are not waiting until the drought [comes] to treat with the drought. [Kingston] Mayor [Delroy] Williams and myself in the Senate have discussions about trucking. We don’t like trucking, but we know that trucking is the most practical short-term method, so together with the local government ministry and relevant stakeholders, we will be advancing a drought management committee for us to be able to interact with, engage, prepare and create a strategy from now,” said the minister without portfolio.
The months-long drought this year wreaked havoc on some farms and created a perfect storm for a double onslaught with bush fires in parishes such as St Mary and St Elizabeth.
The Corporate Area was also significantly affected, with water levels at the Mona Reservoir and the Hermitage Dam falling to worryingly low levels, causing regular lock-offs. Recent rains have resulted in both facilities reaching near full capacity.