Fri | Mar 29, 2024

NWC heartless to Hart Hill

Published:Friday | August 10, 2018 | 12:00 AM

THE EDITOR, Sir:

It is the drought season, we are well aware, but the situation in Hart Hill, Portland, still rankles. In the first place, this is a perennial problem that has existed for almost as long as since the community was created.

A rapid rise in population has not been treated with any expansion in the water supply, with the result that the community has always suffered from an inadequate water supply. And during the summer months like now, the situation is aggravated by the dwindling of supplies from an already inadequate source.

The problem is that everybody is aware of the shortcomings of the system, yet there has been no serious effort made at addressing these concerns. Added to this, the complex nature of the distribution system in Hart Hill sees some people, usually those living along the main road, getting some water, while others get none at all, as is the situation now. Those people living in the hilly central part of the community are most seriously affected.

Over this past week, the situation has worsened, with no water flowing through the taps. The National Water Commission (NWC), which provides the commodity, seems to be unaware of this situation, as there has been no word from them as to if, and when, water will be available, or if a problem with the pump has caused this latest scarcity.

The NWC does not seem to understand that it has a responsibility to communicate to customers when such situations occur, leaving citizens to draw their own conclusions, often incorrect, about the shortcomings facing the system.

So once again, the citizens of Hart Hill are appealing for water. Some people are of the opinion that if they do not block the road, nothing will be done. While this approach is hugely counterproductive, one still wonders if citizens must resort to the extreme in order to get action, or if those with the responsibility believe that our long silence is an indication that we do not have a problem.

We do have a problem, and those with the responsibility to provide the service should do so with greater alacrity.

BASIL STEWART

bazportie@yahoo.com