Samuda says water disruption from Bybrook rehabilitation won't be continuous

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Matthew Samuda says the outcry over water supply disruptions in parts of St Catherine stems from a "fundamental misunderstanding" that there will be continuous disruption for almost a month.

"We know there can be anxiety with water disruption. There will be no three-and-a-half week disruption," Samuda said in a video recorded message posted to social media.

The concerns stem from the National Water Commission's planned rehabilitation of the Bybrook #4 Water Facility which started this week and will continue until February 6 when the NWC is expected to complete the rehabilitation work.

However, Samuda said what was announced was not an almost month-long disruption. He said it is the work that is expected to last for that period.

He added that the Hermitage and the Mona dams, which are full, will supplement the supply to parts of St Catherine. He said the NWC has also commenced using three wells which were previously rescued to ensure that disruptions are kept to a minimum.

"We are monitoring the situation relating to many legacy issues and indeed current maintenance issues very carefully. Where there are disruptions they can be assured that the National Water Commission and the Ministry of Local Government will facilitate significant trucking, if necessary," Samuda stated.

Hamilton Gardens, Christian Pen, Newland Road, Cumberland, Cedar Grove, Edgewater, Waterford, Gregory Park, Braeton, and Independence City in Portmore and sections of Spanish Town, including Eltham Acres, Eltham, Greendale, Keystone, Patten Park, Richard Hall, Waterloo Gardens and St Jago Gardens, are among the areas expected to be impacted by the rehabilitation work.

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